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LeBron James was aware his incredible streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run was over.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points during the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Play Seals the Game

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted immediately.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. It's how I learned to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. He had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, but James decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the right way, they will reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Streak

James's streak began back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his character off the court, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the smart play, the sports deities are always rewarding me.”