Incredible efforts from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were enough to guide the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. With the 112-97 win, the Cavaliers force a Game 6 in Cleveland. Both James and Irving put up at least 40 points, the first time two teammates have done so in an NBA Finals game.
With Draymond Green out with a suspension, the Warriors struggled on defense. Irving and James took advantage, with the duo putting the Cavs on their backs and taking the series back to Cleveland. James dominated the first half with 25 points and finished with 41 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks. All of his assists came in the second half. Irving was unguardable in the second half, en route to 41 points and six assists. He was 17 of 24 from the field and 5 of 7 beyond the arc.
J.R. Smith, who battled foul trouble, was the only other Cavalier to reach double figures. He had 10 points, while Richard Jefferson chipped in eight points. Kevin Love was a complete non-factor, putting up just two points, three rebounds and one assist in 32 minutes.
Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry came to play for the Warriors, but it wasn't enough. Thompson had 37 points on 11 of 20 shooting, hitting six 3-pointers. Curry had 25 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Andre Iguodala had 15 points, but no other Warrior had more than seven. Harrison Barnes had a terrible game, with five points on 2 of 14 shooting.
Game 6 of the NBA Finals is Thursday in Cleveland. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET.
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