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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Seals the Win

He might have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron raised his arms triumphantly.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Make the correct play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. That’s how I was taught the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the floor one last time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak on the line. His tally was only six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

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

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James 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 will bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but due to the player he is and just who he is off the court, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and 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 was over – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the basketball gods are always giving back to me.”