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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of reaching double digits was threatened. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, as the league's career points king finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of how many points he has during a game,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the floor one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

The record commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the longest such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but given the player he is and his personality as an individual, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been an afterthought well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”