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James understood his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, as the league's career points king had only eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“Zero,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Secures Victory

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms immediately.

You have to play the game the proper way. Make the correct play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. That’s how I was taught the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the contest one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that might have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but due to who he is on the court and his character as an individual, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James declared. “You make the right play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”