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James understood his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. It's how I learned the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they will repay you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak began over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the longest such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”