NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors withstand LeBron James’ 51 points to win opener

Golden State survived a 51-point explosion from LeBron James and a scare late in regulation time to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-114 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

other sports Updated: Jun 01, 2018 10:04 IST

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry drives against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson during the NBA Finals opener on Friday.(AP)

The Golden State Warriors overcame a 51-point effort from Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward LeBron James and dominated in overtime to seal a thrilling 124-114 Game One win in the NBA Finals on Thursday in Oakland.

In a physical and at times contentious start to the Finals, Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors with 29 points, nine assists and six rebounds.

The underdog Cavaliers raced out to an 11-point lead in the first half behind nine-for-11 shooting by LeBron James and 12 points from Kevin Love, who returned to the Cavs starting lineup after missing the team’s previous game with a concussion.

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But the Warriors clawed their way back in the second quarter before Curry tied the game at 56 apiece with a buzzer-beater three pointer to end the half and send the yellow-shirted crowd into a frenzy.

The Warriors took a seven-point lead in the third quarter but turnovers and miscues and the continued dominance of James kept the game close in the fourth.

Cavaliers guard George Hill missed one of his two free throws just before period expired, sending the game into an overtime the Warriors dominated behind timely baskets by Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.