LeBRON JAMES came up short as the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a heartbreaking defeat in game one of the NBA Finals.
The superstar, 33, scored a career play-off high 51 points – but it was in vain as the Golden State Warriors snatched victory from the brink of defeat.
7LeBron James arrived at game one of the NBA finals in a suit and shorts combo Credit: Getty Images – Getty
LeBron put up a heroic 51 points but his Cleveland Cavaliers still managed to lose to the Golden State Warriors Credit: Getty Images – Getty
James had arrived to Oracle Arena in a dodgy shorts and suit combo.
But there was nothing dodgy about his performance as he led his underdog Cavs in a supreme solo performance.
With just five seconds on the clock, down a point, Cleveland had a chance to win it when George Hill went to the free throw line for two shots – Hill hit the first, but missed the second.
Cleveland even secured the rebound but what JR Smith did next will go down as one of the most stupid acts EVER seen in sport.
JR Smith had the chance to win the game with the score level – but dribbled AWAY from the basket and ran down the clock Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The game went into overtime because of Smith, who later claimed he knew the scores were tied Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Believing his team were actually winning, Smith dribbled AWAY from the basket to try and run down the clock.
The exasperation and disbelief on LeBron’s face was clear, with Smith only ensuring the game went into overtime.
LeBron cant hide his disbelief at the end of the game Credit: AP:Associated Press
LeBron was exasperated at the Cavs missing the chance to win the game Credit: USA TODAY Sports
From there, Golden State’s deeper team took over.
Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson all scored over 20 points, as the Warriors eventually won the game 124-114.
Cavs head coach TY Lue was despondent on James behalf after the game.
He said: “To do what he did tonight and come out robbed, it’s just not right.”
Lue and the Cavs were left furious at an overturned call that gave possession back to the Warriors.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 pointsCredit: Getty – Pool
Smith, who has been mocked by fans and fellow players on social media, claims he knew the game was tied.
“I was trying to get enough to bring it out to get a shot off,” Smith told reporters.
“I knew we were tied – I thought we were going to call timeout.
“If I thought we were ahead, I’d have held on to the ball and let them foul me.”
