LeBron James stars as Cleveland Cavaliers lead NBA finals

LeBron James has been top scorer in both of his side's finals victories

LeBron James's 40 points saw Cleveland Cavaliers beat Golden State 96-91 to go 2-1 up in the NBA play-off finals.

Former Miami Heat small forward James also contributed 12 rebounds and eight assists in game three of seven, with Matthew Dellavedova adding 20 points.

The 30-year-old, playing in his fifth successive finals series, has scored 123 points in the three games.

The Cavs survived a fourth-quarter fightback though, with Stephen Curry landing 27 points for the visitors.

Trailing 92-83 with 51 seconds remaining, Curry hit two three-pointers to help the Warriors move to within three points, but a pair of James free throws put the game out of reach.

The sides play one more game at the Quickens Loan Arena in Cleveland on Thursday, before switching back to Oakland on Sunday for game five.