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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. At the decisive instant, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers the Win

James could have tried to secure the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is acutely aware of his point total he has at any point,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win along with the historic run on the line. His tally was six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored at 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, yet LeBron opted to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the right way, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

James's streak started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but due to the player he is and just who he is as a person, he chose the team play, found Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James said. When you make the right play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”