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The Lakers star knew his historic run of scoring in double figures was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said after being questioned on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Seals Victory

He might have attempted to win the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted immediately.

It's about playing the game correctly. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he has during a game,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached ten points by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

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

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

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”