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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Play Seals the Game

James could have tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Make the smart play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. It's how I was instructed to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

He is very conscious of his point total he's scored at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record up for grabs. His tally was only six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go which could have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

The record started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

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

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is off the court, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two such games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently returning the favor.”