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James understood his monumental run of scoring in double figures was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Choice Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – while also extending his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” stated the team's head coach the coach. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result and the streak up for grabs. He had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

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

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him as time wound down, but James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it correctly, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Run

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the most extended streak of its kind the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

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