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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was threatened. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, when the league's career points king finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple as time expired.

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

A Team-First Decision Seals Victory

He might have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I was taught to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is very conscious of how many points he's scored during a game,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that would have pushed him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron opted to make the extra pass instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the right way, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Record

James's streak began over eighteen years ago. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” noted teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his character as an individual, he made the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James said. If you make the right play, the game gods forever returning the favor.”