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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Secures Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. You always make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it just as he has countless times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and the streak up for grabs. He had six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up another shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron chose to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the longest such streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

He is such an unselfish player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. The chance was there but due to the player he is and his personality off the court, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – yet he was celebrating all the same.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the right play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”