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LeBron James was aware his historic run of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move was to pass the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, as the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James replied in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Choice Secures the Game

James could have sought to clinch the game – while also extending his record – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted immediately.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I was instructed the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of how many points he's scored during a game,” commented Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the contest one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record up for grabs. He had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that would have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he made the pass, found Rui and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times before this game.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”