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James understood his monumental run of putting up 10+ points was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“Nothing,” James replied in response on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the right way. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has at all times,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the game one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result and the streak on the line. He had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have taken him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron opted to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Streak

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his personality off the court, he made the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters took place in the last week: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the basketball gods consistently giving back to me.”