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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over Toronto. He made the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied after being questioned on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers Victory

He might have sought to clinch the contest – and extended his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James exulted immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I learned to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is acutely aware exactly how many points he has at any point,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the contest one last 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 by that point.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that would have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, but James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

The record started back in January 2007. It was, by far the longest such streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

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

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

My focus is to make the best play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”