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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“None,” James said in response on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Secures the Win

He might have sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the right way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That is my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, but James opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they tend to reward you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

He is such an unselfish player,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his character as an individual, he made the team play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures entering the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two such single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”