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The Lakers star knew his historic run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot to win the game.

“None,” James said after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Make the right play,” James noted. “That’s just been how I operate. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he's scored during a game,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's End Game

James re-entered the game for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the win along with the historic run on the line. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have pushed him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate found him with a few seconds left, but James decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Streak

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the most extended such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought early in the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the right play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”