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James understood his monumental streak of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the ball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, as the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied after being questioned on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Choice Delivers the Game

James could have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a shot with one minute to go that would have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they tend to repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

The record started back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. The chance was there but because of his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”