Preview: Some predictions see the NBA Finals ending quickly. A video game simulation has them going the distance. All seem to agree on the Golden State Warriors winning. Beaten last year by Cleveland’s historic comeback, the Warriors will try to avenge that defeat and get back on top when they face the Cavaliers again, the first time two teams have met three straight times in the NBA Finals. Game 1 is on Thursday at Oracle Arena, where the Cavaliers won their first championship last year by becoming the first team to rally from a 3-1 deficit in the finals. The Warriors are back with a more formidable team after adding Kevin Durant, a healthier one after Stephen Curry was injured last postseason, and not even LeBron James and the Cavs are given much chance of stopping them. [caption id=“attachment_3507385” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File picture of LeBron James (L) and Kevin Durant (R). AP[/caption] “I think they’re the prohibitive favorite,” ABC analyst Jeff Van Gundy said. “I think when you’re the prohibitive favorite against LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, that means you’re a heck of a team, and they sure are.” The Warriors are 12-0 in the playoffs and have won 27 of their last 28 overall. Cleveland will have to slow down a team that has been beating teams by 16.3 points per game in the postseason. A lackluster postseason could be salvaged by a close, compelling series, which was the result of an NBA 2K17 simulation that ended with Durant leading the Warriors to a Game 7 rout. The Warriors are a powerhouse, but the Cavs are 12-1 in the playoffs and give themselves a shot no matter who else does. “Since I’ve been in this league, it’s hard to get to the playoffs, let alone march all the way to the finals,” guard Iman Shumpert said. “But I think we got a great group, headlined by one of the best guys to ever do it. That gives us a chance in any game.” Some things to watch in the series: A LOT OF LOVE? Cleveland almost certainly needs the Kevin Love of the last round to have a chance at the upset. He averaged a quiet 13.8 points in the first two rounds, then busted out for 22.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game against Boston in the Eastern Conference finals. Golden State will try to keep him in check with Draymond Green, one of the league’s best and most versatile defenders. “When he’s going, he makes their team a lot better,” Green said, “so it is my job to try to take him out of the game.” WHAT HOME-COURT ADVANTAGE? The Cavaliers’ nine-game postseason road winning streak, three shy of the 2001-02 Lakers’ league record, started with victories last year in Games 5 and 7 in Oakland. The Warriors won at least once in Cleveland in each of the last two NBA Finals, part of their franchise-record streak of 14 straight series with a road victory. STRAIGHT SHOOTERS? All-Star Klay Thompson is shooting 38 percent from the field in the postseason and 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala is just 3 for 27 from 3-point range. The Warriors’ best lineup against the Cavaliers probably has both players on the floor at the same time, with Iguodala on James and Thompson defending Irving, so Thompson said he doesn’t get caught up in whether his shot is falling. “What happened in the past in my mind doesn’t really count now unless we go out and finish the deal,” he said. “So as long as I perform at this stage now and play my hardest, that’s all I can ask for. It’s been working up to this point, so I can’t change what I’m doing.” NO WORRY FROM CURRY: After a knee injury in the playoffs and a quick turnaround following the conference finals, Curry wasn’t in top shape last June. He’s in better health now, even while wearing a sleeve over his elbow to protect some swelling. “Obviously not really dealing with any bumps or bruises really besides this elbow that’s not really a factor,” Curry said. “So other than that, feeling fresh.” With inputs from AP
Highlights NBA Finals Game 1, Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers, scores and updates: Warriors win 113-91
Live updates of NBA Finals Game 1 between Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers
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Here’s the assist of the night, courtesy Steph Curry.
Steph drops in the no-look to Durant for the #AssistOfTheNight! pic.twitter.com/g3UkPqb0J9
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2017
If a picture could sum up that game:
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/QLKu5Kty45
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) June 2, 2017
A perfect postseason so far for the Warriors. 13-0.
Game 1 goes to GSW.@warriors stay perfect in the #NBAPlayoffs, beat @cavs 113-90 on 38/8/8 from Durant. LeBron: 28/15/8.#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/CgvdVuvUCd
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2017
Cavs 91- 113 Warriors
Warriors clinch Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Cavs 84-105 Warriors
Curry with a steal and Durant sinks a three-pointer. These two have been immense for the Warriors tonight.
Just that kind of a night for Cleveland.
Dubs up 100-80, 6:07 left in the game 😎 #DubNation pic.twitter.com/Ohi7lOAjs1
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) June 2, 2017
Cavs 80-100 Warriors
The Cavaliers are really playing against time now as they trail by 20 with just over 6 minutes left.
Stat time:
25+ points in first 6 NBA Finals games
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) June 2, 2017
Shaquille O'Neal
Michael Jordan
Rick Barry
Kevin Durant
via @EliasSports
Meanwhile, here’s the third quarter Curry’s just had:
Steph sizzles with 14 of his 26 points in the 3rd quarter on #NBAonABC!#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/S9QjJRLhez
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2017
Cavs 72-93 Warriors. End of third quarter
This is going the Warriors way. The Cavs have 12 minutes to save Game 1 of teh NBA Finals.
Meanwhile, LeBron is passing people too.
👑 @KingJames just passed @ReggieMillerTNT for 2nd place on the #NBAPlayoffs Three-Pointers Made list. #StriveForGreatness https://t.co/na7DLbINRE
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) June 2, 2017
Curry’s having a good night, isn’t he?
Career #NBAPlayoffs three-pointer No.300 for Steph!#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/BDvTeydqfV
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2017
Cavs 68-87 Warriors
Curry sinks in another three from downtown. This is his sixth three-pointer.
Cavs 66-80 Warriors
Jefferson beats the shot-clock just about. He’s come off the bench to score 6 already as Cavaliers go about reducing the Warriors’ lead.
Cavs 64-80 Warriors
Easy layup for LeBron. But it’s still an uphill battle for teh Cavaliers with 4:02 minutes remaining in the third quarter.
In case you’re wondering, Kevin Durant is still on fire in the third quarter. Here’s proof:
Kevin Durant picks up where he left off in the first half.
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2017
He's up to 26 points in Game 1 on #NBAonABC. pic.twitter.com/FOjd0djWGD
Cavs 52-67 Warriors
Another two-pointer from Curry helping Warriors stretch their lead to 15 points in the third quarter as timeout is called.
Cavs 52-60 Warriors
And we’re back in action in the 3rd quarter.
Stat time:
Kevin Durant's 6 first half dunks are tied for a career-high for dunks in a game. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/10NYGaUN8c
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) June 2, 2017
#ICYMI: Here’s Steph doing a little dance before he scores.
Another first half top play: @StephenCurry30 showing off the handle & the crafty finish (ABC). #DubNation #StrengthInNumbers #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/cFo8dSVSJ6
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) June 2, 2017
And here’s what LeBron’s been up to tonight.
LeBron James: 7 turnovers-- his 2nd-most in a half in career (9 in 2005 vs New Orleans)
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) June 2, 2017
The last time James and Durant met in the NBA Finals, LeBron’s Heat blew past Durant’s Thunder. He’s definitely eyeing revenge. LeBron threw some shade with a “welcome back to the Finals, it’s been a while” line to Durant.
23 PTS. 6 AST. 4 REB.
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2017
Have yourself a half, KD. #NBAGIF pic.twitter.com/VlzBHIFtge
Cavs 52-60 Warriors at half-time
Durant the top-scorer with 23 points.
Forgot about KD? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/huh6AbB409
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) June 2, 2017
Cavs 52-60 Warriors
LeBron barrels into Durant to earn his second offensive foul.
Cavs 50-59 Warriors
Warriors are up by 9 in 2Q. The Cavaliers defence is really hurting them.
Cavs 47-57 Warriors
Love is guarding Curry. But the Warriors star is unstoppable going to the rim.
Cavs 48-55 Warriors
Love with a three-pointer. They need more of those tonight.
#ICYMI: Check out this great circus shot from Kyrie Irving! He’s now moved to 15 points with 1 assist.
How, Kyrie?#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/4vI2YMyHp7
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2017
Cavs 45-55 Warriors
Durant throws another hammer after Klay Thompson steals the ball. We go into the timeout with 3:15 left on the clock in the second quarter.


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