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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was threatened. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the basketball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's astounding run of over 1,200 straight regular-season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James said in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Secures the Game

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Rui in the left corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball correctly. Make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. It's how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

He is acutely aware of how many points he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

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 win along with the historic run on the line. His tally was only six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have pushed him to ten points.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. A teammate passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the proper way, they often reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but given the player he is and just who he is as a person, he executed the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had reached the 10-point mark entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods took place recently: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the game gods forever rewarding me.”