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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move involved passing the ball – and he executed. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James celebrated triumphantly.

You have to play the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That’s how I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach the coach. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak up for grabs. His tally was six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, but James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they will reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and just who he is off the court, he executed the team play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. “You make the right play, the game gods consistently giving back to me.”