Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Cleveland Cavaliers fended off the Golden State Warriors, 96-91, in the National Basketball Association (NBA) finals to grab a 2-1 upperhand on Wednesday PHT (June 10).
LeBron James scored 40 points, on top of 12 rebounds, eight assists, and four steals for the Cavaliers.
Matthew Dellavedova played a big role in the win, contributing 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Tristan Thompson chipped in a double-double of 10 markers and 11 boards.
Cleveland was ahead 72-55 entering the fourth period before Golden State went on a furious run. The Warriors, who were down by as much as 20 points early in the game, went on a 25-9 surge, capped by a three from Steph Curry, to come within a single point, 81-80, 2:45 remaining in the quarter.
The Cavaliers responded with a three-point play from Dellavedova, a LeBron James triple, and a free throw from Tristan Thompson to go ahead by eight, 88-80, 1:31 left on the clock.
Curry drilled another three on the other end to cut the deficit to five. James missed a jumper on the next play, but Curry made a turnover to give the ball right back to Cleveland.
Dellavedova and James each made a pair from the stripe with 51 seconds remaining to extend their margin to nine, 92-83.
A bucket from David Lee and another trey from Curry cut the lead to four, 27.9 ticks left. James knocked down a pair from the line to push the Cavs up six, 94-88, but Curry made another trey with 18 seconds remaining, to bring the Warriors within three.
The Cavaliers, however, hung on for the win to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Curry had 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the loss. Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
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