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James understood his historic streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Game

James could have tried to secure the game – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James celebrated immediately.

You have to play the game the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. That is how I operate. That is the way I was instructed the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that might have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the right way, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Streak

This incredible run began over eighteen years ago. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and just who he is as an individual, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been an afterthought early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”