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

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

You have to play the game the proper way. Make the right play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. That’s how I was taught the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. His tally was a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they tend to reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. “You make the smart play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”