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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when the league's career points king had only eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Secures the Game

James could have tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game correctly. Make the right play,” James noted. That is how I operate. It's how I was taught to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a shot with one minute to go that might have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, but James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they often bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but due to his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James said. If you make the right play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”