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James understood his historic streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, as the league's career points king had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Choice Secures Victory

He might have sought to clinch the game – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play basketball the right way. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That’s how I was taught to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has at any point,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a shot at one minute to go which could have taken him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the right way, they will reward you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

He is such a team-oriented player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had happened recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”