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James understood his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Decision Secures the Game

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James explained. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I learned the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he has during a game,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a shot at one minute to go that would have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the right way, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Record

The record began back in January 2007. It was easily the longest double-digit streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but given his nature as a player and his personality as an individual, he made the team play, found Rui and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”