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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of reaching double digits was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

James's staggering run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers Victory

James could have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted immediately.

You have to play the game correctly. Make the right play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he has at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the game one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run up for grabs. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot at one minute to go that might have pushed him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, however, James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

The History of an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James declared. If you make the unselfish play, the game gods consistently rewarding me.”