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James understood his monumental run of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended this past Thursday, as the league's career points king had only a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the game-winning assist, finding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I learned the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored during a game,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

James re-entered the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Streak

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest such streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

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

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and his character off the court, he executed the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two such games below ten points through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated regardless.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. “You make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently returning the favor.”