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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer had only a mere eight points in the Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Win

James could have tried to secure the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted immediately.

It's about playing the game the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James noted. That is my philosophy. That is the way I learned to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go which could have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

The record began back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and just who he is as an individual, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”