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James understood his incredible run of reaching double digits was threatened. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run finished.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

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

A Team-First Choice Delivers the Win

He might have tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I was taught the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he has during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the floor for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

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

The History of a Staggering Streak

The record began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his character off the court, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the right play, the basketball gods consistently giving back to me.”