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James understood his incredible run of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, when the league's career points king had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Zero,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers Victory

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

You have to play the game the right way. Make the right play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the floor one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak on the line. He had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that would have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Streak

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his character as a person, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently giving back to me.”