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James understood his historic run of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points concluded this past Thursday, when the league's career points king finished with eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He made the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Seals the Game

James could have sought to clinch the game – and extended the streak – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. His tally was six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him as time wound down, but James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was, by far the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his character as a person, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a formality well before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the sports deities are always rewarding me.”