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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer had only a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the right way. Make the right play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he's scored during a game,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a shot with one minute to go which could have taken him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the proper way, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and just who he is off the court, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times before this game.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”