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James understood his monumental run of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the ball – and he executed. Following that play, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers the Game

He might have sought to clinch the game – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor one last time at 5:23 remaining, the result and the streak on the line. His tally was only six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go which could have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron chose to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it the proper way, they often reward you,” the coach concluded.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest such streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

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

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he made the pass, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it was over – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the sports deities forever returning the favor.”