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James understood his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the rock – and he executed. Following that play, his remarkable run was over.

James's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures Victory

James could have tried to secure the game – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and the streak up for grabs. He had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot at one minute to go that would have pushed him to ten points.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Monumental Streak

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his character as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James said. When you make the smart play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”