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Living legend had plenty to say after shaking off tough game to win in the end.
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How fitting was it that when LeBron James finally lost his record scoring streak he had a chance to forcefully extend it but instead opted to pass and set up a game-winning shot for a teammate?
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That’s been his style ever since he broke into the league as a fresh-faced teenager out of high school in 2003 so why change it now?
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James, sitting on eight points after notching at least 10 points in 1,297 straight games, got into the paint in Toronto on Thursday and could have attempted a difficult shot, but found Rui Hachimura for a buzzer-beater.
James, who often faced loud criticism for not simply shooting at will in every situation, especially late in games, was asked post-game if he had any thoughts about the end of the streak. To nobody’s surprise, James seemed stunned that anyone could doubt the call, though he also understood from experience.
“None. We won,” said James simply. Minutes earlier he had said of the decision-making: “Just playing the game the right way, you always make the right play. That’s been my MO that’s the way I was taught the game,” James said. “Done that my whole career, not even once second guessing that once they doubled (Austin Reaves, who had 44 points) and the ball got swung on me, I know it’s a numbers game. We got a four on three advantage, and just trying to put the ball on time, on target,” he said.
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“I’ll just make the right play. That’s all that matters. Win, lose or draw, make the right play the game, guys, has always, always given back to me. Doesn’t matter if it’s win, loss, whatever, that’s just how I was raised.”
James is a basketball machine in that he knows what to do in every situation and recalls thousands of plays from the past. He also takes note of the most pointed criticism.
“Yeah of course I remember. I remember everything that’s been negatively said about my game throughout my career,” James said. “That aspect was always one of the most foolish things I’ve ever heard, as far as making the right pass, making the right play. We are in the business of winning basketball games. My whole life I’ve just played the game that way, I’ve taught the game that way and I’ve won at every single level I’ve played at by playing the game that way so there was no reason for me to ever change once I got to this level. Doesn’t change. Basketball is basketball.”
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STILL GETTING IN GEAR
James played only his sixth game all year after missing time due to a back issue and clearly isn’t close to his usual form. He maintains it isn’t because of his age and that he’ll find his way.
“I’m still getting a rhythm. This is my what, sixth game? Obviously, well documented. I’ve never missed a whole training camp in a whole preseason before, yeah, let alone missed the first 14 games already,” James said.
He did manage 11 assists without committing any turnovers and made a big defensive stop late.
ON THE TORONTO FANS
James has talked up basketball fans in Toronto in the past and why not? The Lakers always draw a huge crowd of supporters whether the Raptors are good or bad and many were on his side again on Thursday.
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“They’re amazing. I love it. I love it. I don’t know how many games I have left here in this building, but these fans are unbelievable,” James said.
“This city is unbelievable. Always welcome me with open arms, either if I was coming here to play a basketball game or just come here to visit. I’ve always loved and appreciate the fans’ support here. Man, they’re one of a kind.”
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ON FORMER TEAMMATE BRANDON INGRAM
Brandon Ingram scored 20 points for Toronto and also had seven rebounds and seven assists. James teamed up with him when Ingram was a rookie and second overall draft pick and is a fan.
“BI’s an unbelievable talent. My first year in L.A., he was a young stud then, he’s seasoned vet now,” James said.
“Super mature now, his game is mature, he’s getting better and better. I love to see him thrive.”
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