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James understood his incredible run of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the rock – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

He might have attempted to win the game – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was taught to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the contest for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have taken him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they tend to repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but due to who he is on the court and his character as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been a guarantee long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”