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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the basketball – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the right way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been how I operate. It's how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot at one minute to go that might have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, however, James opted to dish it off instead.

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

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the most extended such streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but due to the player he is and just who he is as a person, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had happened recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”