The Golden State Warriors have clinched their first NBA title in 40 years after a 105-97 Game Six win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quickens Loan Arena.
Veteran Andre Igoudala earned the Bill Russell Trophy as Finals MVP after leading the scoring for the Warriors with a season-high 23 points, along with regular season MVP Stephen Curry who had 25 points and eight assists.
Golden State forward Draymond Green made a case for a new contract next season as he heads into restricted free agency, recording a triple-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
LeBron James was once again left to carry an injured Cavaliers side, scoring 32 points, grabbing 18 rebounds and dishing nine assists.
The small-ball Warriors took early control as the Cavaliers looked to slow the pace of the game down.
That resulted in three shot-clock violations and nine turnovers for Cleveland in the first quarter while Golden State racked up 11 assists on their first 11 baskets and ended the period with a 15-point lead.
Despite an inspired defensive performance from Cleveland Russian centre Timofey Mozgov (17 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks) the Warriors held off the home side in the second quarter but Tristan Thompson cut the lead to two at the half with an emphatic putback dunk.
But after losing the lead early in the third, the Warriors reeled off a 7-0 run and ended the quarter with a 12-point lead.
Again the Cavs looked to mount a comeback but the Warriors had enough in the tank to hold off a late surge from JR Smith who gave Cleveland a glimmer of hope with three late shots from the perimeter.
3 News
source: newshub archive
