Warriors Take Game 1 Of NBA Finals From Cavs In OT

LeBron James scored 44 points in 46 minutes for the Cleveland Cavaliers but couldn't get enough help from his teammates to slow down the Golden State Warriors, who toppled the Cavs in overtime 108-100 in game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Steph Curry scored 26 points and dished out 8 assists for Golden State, who played in their first NBA Finals in 40 years. Much to the delight of the raucous crowd at Oracle Arena in Oakland, they watched their team win a topsy turvy game.

Klay Thompson (pictured left) added 21 for the Warriors, while Draymond Green scored 12.

With 13 lead changes and 11 ties, the Cavs nearly stole game 1 on the Warriors homecourt. James had an open look at the end of regulation, but his shot bounced off the back side of the rim, while Cavs guard Iman Shumpert's put back attempt from 14 feet fell short.

As Overtime began, the Warriors forced turnovers, got transition buckets and open threes while Cleveland settled for long distance constested shots. Ironically, the only Cavs bucket in overtime came on their final possession, a driving layup by James. That was the play many expected to see attempted at the end of regulation.

Overtime may have cost the Cavs more than just the game. All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving reinjured his left knee after banging it against the knee of Warriors forward Harrison Barnes. The same knee has caused Irving to miss several games this postseason.

Irving finished with 23 points, second on the team to only James' 44. Cleveland got no help from their bench. JR Smith scored 9 points, but shot 3-13 from the field, while fellow reserves James Jones and Matthew Dellavedova failed to make a bucket.

Conversely, the Warriors bench finished with 34, led by Andrew Igoudala's 15 points and his blanketing defense.

Up 1-0 in the best of seven series, Golden State will look to maintain homecourt advantage this Sunday in game 2. Tip-off from Oracle Arena is set for 7:00.