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LeBron James was aware his incredible run of scoring in double figures was threatened. When it mattered most, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the basketball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run finished.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“Nothing,” James stated when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Seals the Win

James could have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, and James exulted immediately.

“Just playing the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

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

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the proper way, they will repay you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

The record started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest such streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

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

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and his character off the court, he made the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James said. “You make the smart play, the sports deities forever rewarding me.”