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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, as the league's career points king had only eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Secures Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball correctly. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods had happened in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”