James Carries Cavs To OT Win Over Warriors, Evens NBA Finals
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - The Big Three has faded. The Terrific Two is gone. And the Cleveland Cavaliers are still heading home
All thanks to the Chosen One.
LeBron James turned in a triple-double to remember, Matthew Dellavedova made the go-ahead free throws in overtime, and the Cavaliers overcame a fourth-quarter collapse to outlast the Golden State Warriors 95-93 on Sunday night.
James finished with 39 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists in 50 minutes, carrying Cleveland's depleted roster to victory on the NBA's toughest home floor. The Warriors, who had been 47-3 at ear-piercing Oracle Arena, had no answer for James or Cleveland's suddenly stifling defense most of the night.
It was the second straight overtime game
Stephen Curry had a horrific shooting performance
Then, Draymond Green met James at the rim
Dellavedova made both free throws to put Cleveland in front with 10.1 seconds to play. Curry air-balled a jumper contested by Dellavedova, James got the rebound and hit one of two free throws with 4.4 seconds left.
Curry, without a timeout, raced up court and tried to pass ahead to Klay Thompson. But Iman Shumpert batted the ball away to seal Cleveland's win.
James waved his arms and pounded his chest near center court. He shook hands and hugged teammates emphatically as most of the sellout crowd 19,596 - wearing those bright, golden yellow shirts - filed out of the arena.
Game 2 is Tuesday night in Cleveland.
Updated June 7, 2015