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James understood his monumental run of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the basketball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points during the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Play Secures the Win

James could have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball the right way. You always make the correct play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he has during a game,” commented the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that might have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his personality as a person, he executed the pass, found Rui and we won 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 achieved ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

However, two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”