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James understood his monumental run of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer had only eight points in the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Play Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James celebrated immediately.

You have to play basketball correctly. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That is how I operate. That’s how I was taught to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he has at any point,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot at one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate passed him the ball with a few seconds left, but James chose to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Run

The record started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his character as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”