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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Seals the Win

He might have attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. That’s how I was taught the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

He is acutely aware of how many points he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. “He did it as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, but James chose to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Staggering Run

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

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

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he made the pass, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

However, two such games below ten points through three quarters had occurred in the last week: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating all the same.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”