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

The right decision was to pass the rock – so he did. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points in the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“None,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui on the wing. Rui connected, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the right way. You always make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I was taught to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the floor for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it correctly, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

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

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he executed the team play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the right play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”