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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the ball – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points during the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Play Seals the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play the game correctly. Make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. It's how I learned to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run on the line. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead.

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

The History of a Staggering Record

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times before this game.

But two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had occurred recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the game gods consistently returning the favor.”