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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Game

He might have tried to secure the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball correctly. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. That is the way I learned the game. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is very conscious of how many points he has at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the floor for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that would have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, but James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and just who he is as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times before this game.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”