JR's blunder so jarring for James

LeBron's Game 1 brilliance in vain after Smith lets Warriors off hook

OAKLAND, California - LeBron James defied belief with another brilliant playoff performance and was in utter disbelief at the officials and a play by teammate JR Smith down the stretch that sent the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 124-114 overtime loss to Golden State in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.

James posted the first 50-point game in the Finals since Michael Jordan did it 25 years ago and had the Cavaliers in position to stun the heavily favored Warriors in the opener before a disputed replay overturn and Smith's blunder turned the tide in Golden State's favor.