Golden State Warriors V Cleveland Cavaliers (124-114):  LeBron James masterclass with 51-points

The Golden State Warriors somehow withstood LeBron James' latest brilliance on the NBA Finals stage to secure an important win in Game 1.

A costly blunder by J.R. Smith left LeBron James fuming in the dying moments of the game, and a disputed foul call involving James himself further helped the Warriors on their way to an opening victory.

Stephen Curry scored 29 points and the Warriors capitalized on Smith's mistake that sent the game into overtime, withstanding a 51-point performance by James to beat Cleveland 124-114 in on Thursday night in Oakland.

 

 The 33-year-old was visibly dismayed to finish the evening on the losing side after a stellar performance on court

The game nearly over, James jawed with both Curry and Klay Thompson, then Tristan Thompson and Draymond Green tangled moments later and made contact. After replay review, Tristan Thompson received a Flagrant 2 foul and ejection with 2.6 seconds left.

James was in utter disbelief as regulation ended in stunning fashion: George Hill made the first of two free throws with 4.7 seconds left after being fouled by Klay Thompson, but when Smith secured the rebound of the second, he dribbled back toward halfcourt instead of shooting, apparently thinking the Cavs had a lead.