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James understood his incredible run of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record was over.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points was snapped during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points during the Lakers' close triumph versus Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Choice Secures Victory

James could have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, and James celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was taught the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the floor for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He scored at under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that would have taken him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It stood as the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given who he is on the court and his character off the court, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had occurred recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas 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. The very next outing, it was over – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always returning the favor.”