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James understood his incredible run of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, when the league's career points king finished with eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close 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.

“Nothing,” James stated in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. Make the smart play,” James explained. That is my philosophy. It's how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he has at all times,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to tie the game then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that might have taken him to ten points.

He avoided taking a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they often repay you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. The chance was there but given the player he is and just who he is off the court, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those rare single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”