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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run was over.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“Zero,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Seals Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak on the line. He had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left which could have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, however, James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought well before the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had occurred just days before: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the game gods are always rewarding me.”