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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – and he executed. Consequently, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

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

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. You always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I was taught the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that would have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they will bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but due to his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”