Golden state beats Cleveland 113-91 in NBA finals opener

By CGTN's Yan Yangchen

A trilogy between two teams is underway as the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers meet for the third consecutive year with the title on the line and each side holding a victory.

This year, a little spice was added to the championship series as Kevin Durant was courted by the Warriors in the offseason in an effort to reclaim the crown they lost to the Cavaliers last season. The former MVP would prove to be the difference in the opening game.

Oracle Arena was the site of the Finals and last year, the Cavs stunned the Warriors here in Game 7 to win the title, which was LeBron James' second Finals appearance of his career.

LeBron James passes the ball in the defense of Draymond Green. /CFP Photo

During the game, James would become the first player to score 6,000 points in the playoffs.

Golden State's Tristan Thompson struggled throughout the game, failing to score, but holding four rebounds.

At the end of first quarter, Andre Iguodala beat the buzzer with a three that handed the Warriors a five-point lead.

Golden State attempted to pull away in the second quarter, but James trimmed the margin to seven, getting the bucket at the rim in the face of Kevin Durant.

Steph Curry in a reverse lay-up /CFP Photo

James scored 28 points with 15 rebounds at the end of Game 1, but the Warriors would end the game with a 113-91 win over the Cavs. So far, Golden State hold on to their perfect 13-0 playoff record and leads the Finals 1-0.

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