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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He made the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Secures the Win

James could have sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I learned to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Record's End Game

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. His tally was six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot at one minute to go that might have pushed him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – 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, when you play it the proper way, they often reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his character as an individual, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently rewarding me.”