Warriors not expecting LeBron, company to lose edge

OAKLAND, Calif. — All the chatter is that underdog Cleveland could be completely deflated from the way it flopped in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Determined and as motivated as ever might be more appropriate and fitting whenever LeBron James is in the mix.

"It's one of the toughest losses I've had in my career," James acknowledged Saturday, "because of everything that kind of went on with the game and the way we played. Obviously, we all know what happened in the game."

There were miscues aplenty, most notably J.R. Smith's offensive rebound in the final seconds of regulation that he dribbled back toward half-court in a tie game rather than shooting for a chance to win it — later insisting he knew the score, though that remains a huge mystery. The decision baffled a frustrated and stunned LeBron, who signaled at his teammate with arms pointed toward the basket.

"The game's over. There's nothing we can do about it," Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. "We've got to move on, move forward."

James has done so all postseason with an edge, intensity and ability to allout carry the Cavs — will them to win after win, if you wish.

Yes, with King James on the other side in this familiar June rivalry, Golden State knows much better than to fall into such a trap that the Cavs might be down and out, even if the defending champions have some momentum going into Game 2 on Sunday night back home at Oracle Arena.