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LeBron James was aware his historic run of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, his remarkable run was over.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, when the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Secures the Game

James could have tried to secure the game – while also extending his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Make the right play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot at one minute to go that might have taken him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the proper way, they often repay you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

The record started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but due to who he is on the court and his personality as an individual, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”