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LeBron James was aware his historic run of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Seals the Win

He might have sought to clinch the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, and James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play basketball correctly. Make the right play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he has during a game,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a shot with 1:01 left that would have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, however, James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the proper way, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but given the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he chose the team play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”