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James understood his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, as the league's career points king had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – with the last shot, but he chose to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James celebrated immediately.

You have to play basketball the right way. Make the correct play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that would have taken him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they tend to repay you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak began back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but given who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he made the pass, found Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times before this game.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had happened recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever giving back to me.”