OAKLAND, Calif. — Thirty-four thoughts for 34 defensive rebounds in the 124-114 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday in Game 1 of the NBA Finals …



1. It should come as no surprise that a game with questionable officiating again involved the Golden State Warriors. After all, it was Shaun Livingston who headbutted an official earlier this season, while high-profile ejections of Kevin Durant and LeBron James this season raised awareness of the deteriorating relationship between players and referees.



2. What transpired here inside Oracle Arena late in the fourth quarter isn’t going to help.



3. As one Cavs player reviewed the referee sheet in advance of tipoff, he recalled after the game how he shook his head in disgust.



4. “Ken Mauer, Ed Malloy and Tony Brothers. Are you fucking kidding me?” he said. “You could pull any three names out of a hat (and do better). For Game 1 of the Finals?