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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points in the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. You always make the correct play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. It's how I was taught the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. “He did it just as he has so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

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

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Record

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

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

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”