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

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play the game the proper way. You always make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I learned the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. He had six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they tend to repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but due to the player he is and just who he is as a person, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods took place just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”