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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision was to pass the rock – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points during the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated when asked on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Game

He might have sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Make the smart play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

He returned to the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a shot with one minute to go that might have taken him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron opted to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

He is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his character as an individual, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

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

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the right play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”