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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the ball – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten was snapped this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only eight total points during the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the decisive pass, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple to win the game.

“None,” James said in response on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

He might have attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game correctly. Make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I was taught to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is fully cognizant of his point total he has during a game,” stated Lakers coach the coach. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run up for grabs. His tally was a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to level the contest and missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that would have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – but could have. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it correctly, they will repay you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Monumental Record

This incredible run commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the longest such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list at 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his character as an individual, he made the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality well before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those rare single-digit games after three periods had happened just days before: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”