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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Play Secures Victory

James could have tried to secure the contest – and preserved his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was taught to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

He is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” stated the team's head coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

James re-entered the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that might have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they often bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

The record commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and just who he is off the court, he made the pass, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those rare single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”