LeBron James, Kyrie Irving Each Score 41 In Cavs’ 112-97 Game 5 Win Over Warriors

LeBron James and Kyrie Irving completely overpowered the Golden State Warriors defense, scoring 41 points apiece in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 112-97 victory over the defending champions in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena on Monday night.

LeBron James, Kyrie Irving Each Score 41 In Cavs’ 112-97 Game 5 Win Over Warriors

James and Irving became the first teammates to score 40 points in an NBA Finals game. The Warriors, who were missing forward Draymond Green due to a suspension for fouling James in Game 4, now lead the series 3-2 and will visit the Cavs in Cleveland for Game 6 on Thursday.

“We’re just happy we got another day. That’s all we can ask for,” James said. “We got another day to survive. We’re going to start preparing tonight, start preparing tomorrow and whenever Game 6 is we’ll be ready.”

After tying 61-all at halftime, the Warriors missed 14 of their first 20 shots in the third quarter and shot 7 for 24 in that period, clearly struggling in Green’s absence.

Klay Thompson led Golden State with 37 points and six 3-pointers, while Stephen Curry added 25 points with five 3s, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots. However, as the game continued, the dynamic duo shot airballs and bounced 3-point attempts off the front rim. Andre Iguodala, who started in place of Green, had 15 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

“We weren’t very good defensively,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “We obviously knew we were without Draymond, so there’s no point in harping on that. We had to play better, and we didn’t.”

James and Irving combined to shoot 33 for 54, while Golden State went cold and finished 36.4 percent from the field. James also added three steals and three blocked shots.

“I’m thankful, but at the same time we wouldn’t be in any position without both of us putting on a performance like this,” Irving said. “Our guys coming in and just trusting our leadership and doing it for four quarters — that’s what it’s about.”

Irving’s three-point play put Cleveland up 102-92, and the Cavs continued pushing, answering on offense and making all the key stops on defense.

Kevin Love returned to the Cavs’ starting lineup for the first time since sustaining a concussion in Game 2 at Oracle Arena on June 5. He played 34 minutes.

Warriors center Andrew Bogut went down early in the third, grabbing his left knee and writhing in pain on the floor. Kerr stated he was undergoing an MRI exam.

After their record-setting 72-win season, the Warriors evidently seemed disappointed with the loss.

“It obviously stings real bad,” Thompson said. “We’ll come back stronger.”

Former Orland Magic star Grant Hill spoke on behalf of the NBA in offering support, thoughts and prayers to victims in the mass shootings in Orlando, Florida before a moment of silence.

PHOTO: OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket between Shaun Livingston #34 and Marreese Speights #5 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half in Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2016 in Oakland, California.

Article by Pablo Mena