Irving, James Combine For 82; Cavs Force Game 6 In Cleveland
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — This time LeBron James got plenty of help.
Kyrie Irving and James each poured in 41 points -- the first time teammates have scored at least 40 in an NBA Finals game -- the Cavaliers staved off elimination by beating Golden State 112-97 to cut the Warriors lead to 3-2 in the NBA championship.
Irving was an efficient 17 of 24 from the field. James added 16 rebounds and seven assists to give him a near triple double.
James called Irving's game "probably one of the greatest performances I've ever seen live."
The Cavaliers clamped down defensively in the final period, holding the Warriors to 12 points.
Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 37 but scored only 12 in the second half. Stephen (STEH'-fihn) Curry added 25. But the Warriors sorely missed All-Star swingman Draymond Green, who was suspended after striking James in the groin in Game 4.
Game 6 is in Cleveland Thursday night. No team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals to win the title.
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