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James understood his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's staggering run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, as the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points in the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a triple to win the game.

“None,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play basketball the right way. Make the right play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

James is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

He returned to the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run on the line. His tally was a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a shot at one minute to go which could have pushed him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James opted to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they will reward you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

The record began over eighteen years ago. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but given who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he chose the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality long before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He had nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”