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LeBron James was aware his monumental run of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James replied when asked about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers Victory

James could have sought to clinch the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

He is very conscious of his point total he has at any point,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron chose to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

James's streak commenced over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his character as an individual, he chose the pass, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”