Basketball On The Internet.

GOLDEN State Warriors took a 1-0 lead today over Cleveland, winning the opening match of the NBA Finals 108-100 in overtime, despite LeBron James scoring 44 points.

But even James in beast mode could not hold off the Western Conference champs, who drew terrific games out of Andre Iguodala (15 points at 75 per cent, key D on LeBron) and Marreese Speights (8 points, 8 minutes), with five Warriors scoring in double figures. 

League MVP Steph Curry led the way with 26 points and eight assists, fellow "Splash Brother" Klay Thompson with 21.

Harrison Barnes also hit a couple of big shots when most needed, Aussie centre Andrew Bogut with a team-high seven boards and two blocks in 28 minutes.

While the Warriors struggled at times through the first half to compete with James' sheer force of will and variety of attack, their all-around team game proved to be a key factor.

James also had eight boards and six assists and was ably supported by Kyrie Irving, whose 23 points and six assists came in 43 minutes.

Irving's good form and two big blocks on Curry plays meant Aussie back-up Matthew Dellavedova only saw nine minutes of playing time but still had three assists.

Dellavedova may be playing a great deal more now though, Irving hurting his knee again about halfway through the extension which was forced after scores were tied 98-98 at the end of regulation.

Irving did not look good, which potentially is a massive blow for the Cavs, who didn't get nearly enough from J.R. Smith after halftime.

Tristan Thompson worked tirelessly for his game-high 15 rebounds and Timofey Mozgov was efficient for his 16 points, including two key free throws near the end of regulation which tied up the contest.

Cleveland came unglued in the overtime, its only basket from James with 44 seconds left when the result already was determined.

Whether the sight of an inconsolable Irving limping from a raucous Oracle Arena in Oakland played any part in rattling the Cavaliers is conjecture.

But they will have to get back to their team-oriented best to snatch Game 2 on Monday, Australian time.