ONE THAT GOT AWAY

Mistakes at the end spell doom for Cavs in Game 1

LeBron James (23) reacts to a call during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cavaliers in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, May 31. The Cavs had their chance to knock off the Warriors, but instead lost in overtime.

Stephen Curry scored 29 points and the Golden State Warriors capitalized on a Cavaliers blunder that sent the game into overtime, withstanding a brilliant 51-point performance by LeBron James to beat Cleveland, 124-114, in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.

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.

Then J.R. Smith secured the rebound and dribbled back toward half court, apparently thinking the Cavs had a lead.

Instead, the game went to overtime and the Warriors pulled away..

Game 2 is Sunday night back at Oracle Arena.

Kevin Love added 21 points for the Cavs and Smith scored 10.

BEN MARGOT — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LeBron James shoots against Warriors forward Draymond Green during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals.