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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, as the league's career points king finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Game

James could have tried to secure the game – while also extending his record – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play the game the right way. You always make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

He is fully cognizant of his point total he has at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

He returned to the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. He had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest and missed a shot with one minute to go which could have pushed him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been an afterthought early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had happened recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”