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James understood his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers the Game

James could have tried to secure the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, but he chose to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

You have to play basketball correctly. Make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

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

The Record's End Game

He returned to the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left which could have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Streak

The record commenced over eighteen years ago. It was, by far the longest such streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his character as a person, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had occurred recently: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James said. “You make the right play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”