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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run finished.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“Zero,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers Victory

James could have attempted to win the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Make the smart play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. That’s how I was taught to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at any point,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

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

He scored at 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the pass instead.

“The basketball gods, when you play it correctly, they tend to repay you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Record

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his character as a person, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the smart play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”