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James understood his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Secures Victory

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball correctly. Always make the correct play,” James noted. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is as an individual, he chose the team play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always giving back to me.”