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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was threatened. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's astounding streak 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 finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“None,” James replied when asked on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Seals Victory

James could have attempted to win the contest – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the right play,” James noted. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I learned the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the contest for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have taken him into double figures.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, but James opted to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

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

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his character off the court, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been a formality long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

My focus is to make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James declared. When you make the right play, the sports deities are always returning the favor.”