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James understood his historic run of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

James's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Secures Victory

He might have attempted to win the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted immediately.

You have to play basketball the proper way. Make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I learned the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record on the line. He had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that might have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the right way, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

James's streak commenced 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 games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman recorded of 575 games.

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

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he executed the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”