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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate stationed in the corner. Rui connected, with LeBron exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the proper way. You always make the correct play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was taught to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

He is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the contest for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they will bless you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

The record began back in January 2007. It was easily the longest such streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but because of the player he is and just who he is off the court, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality early in the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened recently: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the game gods forever giving back to me.”