LeBron James’ impressive streak of scoring in double digits, which lasted almost 19 years, concluded during a game against the Toronto Raptors. In an understated yet fitting end, he only managed eight points, leading to the end of his notable scoring stretch of 1,297 games.

The game was a thrilling showdown, tied at 120 near the end. Austin Reaves, with a game-high of 44 points, was looking to secure a last-minute victory. When Scottie Barnes came over to double-team him, Reaves passed to a wide-open James, who then made a tactical decision to dish the ball to Rui Hachimura instead of attempting a shot himself. Hachimura nailed the game-winning three-pointer, making James’ eight points a mere footnote in a thrilling victory.

“RUI HACHIMURA FROM THE CORNER FOR THE WIN OFF THE LEBRON JAMES DIME! 🚨 @TISSOT BUZZER-BEATER 🚨” — NBA

Although James has faced criticism in the past for making similar unselfish plays, such decisions align with his intrinsic court awareness. His approach is not about personal statistics but rather about team success. At 41 years old, James has adjusted to a new role that values passing and defense, recording 11 assists in this particular match.

Given the exceptional averages of Reaves and Luka Dončić, the Lakers are well-equipped offensively, which allows James to contribute in other meaningful ways without carrying the scoring burden as heavily. His ability to make the right play highlights his basketball intelligence, making him an invaluable asset even as he ages.