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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points during the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

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

A Selfless Play Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing basketball the right way. You always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I was instructed the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. He had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that would have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they will reward you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his character as an individual, he executed the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. If you make the right play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”