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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“None,” James stated when asked on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Win

He might have attempted to win the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the right way. You always make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. That is the way I learned to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. He had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James chose to dish it off instead.

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

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his personality as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually an afterthought long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

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

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the right play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”