Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Cleveland's LeBron James loses the ball driving between San Antonio defenders Bruce Bowen, left, and Tim Duncan. The Spurs won Game 1 of the NBA Finals 85-76 on Thursday.

Before taking the floor for their first finals game in Cleveland’s 37-year history, the Cavaliers huddled near the tunnel for a prayer. Then, James and his teammates repeated something they’ve done since the first day of training camp.

“One, two, three, championship,” they shouted in unison.

But it became clear very early on that any climb to a title would be steep.

The Spurs, who hadn’t played in a week since beating Utah in the Western Conference finals, showed no early rust. They started 7-of-9 from the field as Parker and Duncan combined for 14 of San Antonio’s first 16 points as San Antonio opened a 20-15 lead after one.

Every time James took off for the basket, the Spurs seemed to multiply in his face. On one drive, he had his headband yanked off by Duncan, who got posterized on a dunk by James in the first meeting between the teams in November.

Seven months later, Duncan got even.

On the occasion of his fourth finals, the three-time finals MVP, arrived at the arena with a freshly shaved head — typically a sign that he’s ready to rumble. He has been reluctant to talk about his place in history or the Spurs’ ascension to a dynasty level.

But if this game was any indication, San Antonio may soon be recognized as one of the league’s great powers. Unless, of course, James figures out a way to get to the basket or get his jumper to fall.

“A lot of shots I took, I usually make,” he said. “Things like that happen. You have one off night, but it’s not like the NCAA tournament where you have one game and you’re out. We’ve got to regroup.”

Notes: Game 1 winners have gone on to win the series 17 of 23 times since 1984. ... American Idol winner Jordin Sparks sang the national anthem. ... The finals always bring out celebrities of all shapes and sizes as well as great former players including Julius Erving, Patrick Ewing, Clyde Drexler, Bob Lanier, David Robinson and Grant Hill. Erving spent time before the game chatting with actress Eva Longoria, Parker’s fiancee. Later, when Erving was introduced to the crowd, Ewing bowed several times to salute “Dr. J.” ... Horry is trying to win his seventh NBA title. “Big Shot Rob” won two with Houston (1994, 1995), three with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000-02) and one with San Antonio (2005).

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