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LeBron James was aware his historic run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He made the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“Zero,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of his point total he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. He had a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a shot at one minute to go that would have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Record

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended such streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his personality as a person, he made the team play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

But two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns 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 best play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the right play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”