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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Play Secures the Win

James could have tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. That is my M.O.. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

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

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, but James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

The History of a Monumental Run

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

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

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but given who he is on the court and his character off the court, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

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