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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of reaching double digits was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision involved passing the rock – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

James's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, when the league's career points king had only a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Win

He might have sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I learned the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has during a game,” stated the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, but James opted to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had happened in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. “You make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”