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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of reaching double digits was threatened. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the rock – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Seals Victory

He might have tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game correctly. You always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he has at any point,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He acted just as he has so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with just over five minutes left, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the right way, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

The record started back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods took place in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”