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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He made the clutch helper, finding Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers the Win

He might have sought to clinch the game – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play basketball correctly. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has during a game,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's End Game

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that would have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the proper way, they tend to reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but due to the player he is and just who he is as a person, he chose the pass, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two such games below ten points through three quarters took place recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the right play, the basketball gods consistently rewarding me.”