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LeBron on criticism of his Game 1 reaction: 'How much more' can I pick up my team?

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Despite a demoralizing Game 2 loss in the NBA Finals to soak in, LeBron James continues to field questions about his team's infamous Game 1 blunder.

The Cleveland Cavaliers failed to take advantage of a key opportunity to steal the first game on the road from the Golden State Warriors. J.R. Smith's inexplicable move to run out the clock after snagging an offensive rebound wasn't the only issue, as video footage showed James looking dejected after finding out from the coaching staff that there was a timeout remaining.

James received criticism for his reaction to the errors, seemingly unwilling to communicate prior to the overtime period. However, James was taken aback by having his attitude questioned.

"We're in the NBA Finals," James said, according to Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver. "How much more picking up of my teammates do you want me to do?"

James could be seen attempting to call a timeout but was apparently uncertain if there were any remaining. He cited the Chris Webber incident from the 1993 NCAA championship game, when the former Michigan Wolverine was assessed a technical foul for calling a timeout with none remaining.

"I didn't want another (Chris Webber) incident," James said, per Golliver. "I asked our coaching staff if we had another timeout. They told me yes. ... It was heartbreaking."

After falling to 0-2 on Sunday, the Cavaliers head back home for Game 3 of the Finals on Wednesday.

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