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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was threatened. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, his remarkable run was over.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Seals the Win

James could have tried to secure the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

He is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the contest one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that might have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, but James decided to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but due to who he is on the court and his character off the court, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee well before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods took place just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – and he celebrated all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”