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The Lakers star knew his historic run of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, when basketball's greatest scorer had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

He is acutely aware of how many points he has at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and his personal record up for grabs. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a shot with 1:01 left that might have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – but could have. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it correctly, they often reward you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the most extended such streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his character off the court, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had happened in the last week: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. “You make the right play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”