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James understood his historic run of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron exulted immediately.

It's about playing the game the right way. Always make the right play,” James noted. That has always been how I operate. That is the way I learned the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant of how many points he has at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run on the line. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that might have pushed him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him as time wound down, but James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the right way, they will repay you,” Redick added.

The History of a Monumental Streak

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality off the court, he chose the team play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the correct play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods are always giving back to me.”