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James understood his historic run of scoring in double figures was threatened. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, finding teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Seals the Game

James could have sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game correctly. Always make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. It's how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

He is very conscious of how many points he has at any point,” stated the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Run's End Game

He returned to the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket at under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a shot at 1:01 left that might have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – but could have. A teammate found him as time wound down, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

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

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list at 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the pass, found Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

However, two such games below ten points after three periods took place recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the sports deities are always rewarding me.”