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James understood his monumental run of reaching double digits was threatened. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot to win the game.

“None,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Choice Delivers Victory

James could have tried to secure the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated immediately.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That is how I operate. That’s how I was taught the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score and missed a 14-footer at one minute to go that might have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they often reward you,” the coach concluded.

The History of a Monumental Streak

The record began back in January 2007. It was, by far the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but due to the player he is and just who he is as a person, he made the pass, found Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those rare games below ten points after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the smart play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”