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James understood his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

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

A Team-First Play Seals Victory

He might have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James celebrated immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. You always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I learned the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Streak's End Game

He returned to the contest one last time with just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

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

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

The record started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended streak of its kind the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

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

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but given who he is on the court and just who he is as an individual, he chose the pass, found Rui and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

However, two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had occurred just days before: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the smart play, the sports deities forever rewarding me.”