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James understood his monumental run of scoring in double figures was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points during the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play basketball the right way. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he has during a game,” said the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done countless times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run on the line. He had only six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have taken him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, however, James opted to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

The History of a Staggering Record

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the longest such streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality as a person, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”