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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the rock – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Secures the Win

James could have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. Always make the right play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

He is acutely aware of how many points he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome and his personal record on the line. He had six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that might have taken him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they often repay you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his personality as an individual, he made the team play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a formality well before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

But two such games below ten points after three periods took place just days before: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the right play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”