OAKLAND, California (AP) – 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 Monday night.
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. Game 6 of the series is Thursday 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.
It was tied at 61-61 at the half. 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 leads the series 3-2. The Warriors clinched last year’s title with a Game 6 win on the Cavs’ home floor.
