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

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, when the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura for a triple to win the game.

“None,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing the game correctly. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the contest one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game and missed a shot at one minute to go which could have gotten him to ten points.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the proper way, they often reward you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Streak

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest such streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the sport. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his personality as an individual, he chose the team play, found Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. If you make the smart play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”