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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, when the league's career points king finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“None,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Secures Victory

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated triumphantly.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was taught the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

He is fully cognizant of his point total he has at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was only six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, but James decided to make the pass instead.

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

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”