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James understood his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, when the league's career points king finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Seals Victory

He might have attempted to win the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted immediately.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Always make the correct play,” James noted. That is how I operate. It's how I learned to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the floor one last time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that might have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they will reward you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

James's streak began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of his nature as a player and his personality as an individual, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had happened just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”