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LeBron James was aware his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record was over.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight total points in the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

“Zero,” James replied in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – while also extending his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, and James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at any point,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the contest one last time with just over five minutes left, the win and his personal record up for grabs. He had six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James decided to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the right way, they often repay you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Record

James's streak began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but due to his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”