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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

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

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, as the league's career points king was limited to eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Win

James could have tried to secure the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the right way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been my philosophy. That’s how I learned the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has during a game,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but due to who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he executed the team play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare games below ten points after three periods took place 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 earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

My focus is to make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. “You make the right play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”