LeBron James and Kyrie Irving became the first teammates to each top 40 points in the same NBA Finals game, and the Cleveland Cavaliers staved off elimination by beating the Golden State Warriors 112-97 on Tuesday morning (Hong Kong time).
James had 41 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. Irving had 41 points on 17 for 24 shooting and added six assists for the Cavaliers.
James gained some measure of revenge for the dominating performance from Stephen Curry in game four. Photo: AFP
Game six of the series is on Friday morning (Hong Kong time) in Cleveland.
Klay Thompson scored 37 points and Stephen Curry had 25 for the Warriors, who were without the suspended Draymond Green for the game. They lost Andrew Bogut early in the third quarter to a left knee injury.
James and Irving combined to devastating effect. Photo: AFP
It was tied at 61-61 at half-time. Cleveland owned the second half, outscoring the hosts 51-36.
For James, it’s now 26 consecutive series with at least one road win, extending his NBA record.
Golden State now lead the series 3-2. The Warriors clinched last year’s title with a game six win on the Cavs’ home floor.
