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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Choice Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Make the right play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I learned to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. He had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that would have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they will reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

The record began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the greatest such streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had occurred recently: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”