OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – Stephen Curry scored 26 points, including the first four of overtime, and the Golden State Warriors overcame LeBron James’ 44 points for a 108-100 victory Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
The Warriors scored the first 10 points of the extra period, pitching a shutout until James’ meaningless basket with under 10 seconds to go.
James had his highest point total ever in the finals, but missed a jumper with about 3 seconds left in regulation that could’ve won it. Iman Shumpert just missed a follow attempt from near the sideline on a long rebound at the buzzer, and it was all Warriors from there.
Game 2 is in Oakland Sunday night.
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Kyrie Irving had 23 points for the Cavs but limped off the court with about 2 minutes left in OT.
Coach David Blatt said right now he can’t provide any specifics on Irving’s injury because the team doesn’t know yet. He added he didn’t think the injury was caused by any contact.
Irving had played well while looking healthy after knee and foot injuries had forced him to miss two games during the Eastern Conference finals.
With Kevin Love already out, the Cavs obviously need Irving. And Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he hopes Irving is able to play the remainder of the series.
“I mean that,” Kerr said. “You probably don’t believe me, but I mean that.”