Cavs Stun Durant, Warriors in Epic Christmas Day Rematch
By CSN Bay Area staff ••
CLEVELAND -- Six months later, the Cavaliers came back on the Warriors again.
Kyrie Irving dropped a fadeaway jumper over Klay Thompson with 3.4 seconds left as Cleveland rallied just the way it did in historic fashion last June in the NBA Finals, beating Golden State 109-108 on Sunday.
The Cavs trailed 94-80 early in the fourth quarter before rallying before a rowdy Christmas crowd. And as was the case in the Finals, it was Irving, who made a 3-pointer in the final minute of Game 7, who made the biggest basket.
Golden State had one last chance but Kevin Durant lost his balance while coming off a screen and couldn't get off a shot as time expired.
LeBron James had 31 points Irving scored 25 for the Cavs, who were down 3-1 in last season's Finals before winning three straight and the championship - the first for a Cleveland team since 1964.
Durant, making his first appearance in the league's hottest rivalry, scored 36 and Thompson had 24 for the Warriors, who had their seven-game winning streak stopped.
The Cavs couldn't quite catch the Warriors until James gave Cleveland a 105-103 lead - its first since the opening quarter - with a monstrous dunk that he celebrated by swinging on the rim like a kid at recess.
Stephen Curry's 3-pointer with 1:14 left put the Warriors up by three, but Irving scored on a layup and Cleveland shut down Golden State on the defensive end, forcing a 24-second violation.
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 16: Draymond Green #23 high fives Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on January 16, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 16: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers holds his face after being fouled by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on January 16, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on January 16, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 16: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors has a shot blocked by Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on January 16, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 16: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the bench after he made a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on January 16, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 28: Kevin Durant #35 talks to Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during their game against the Toronto Raptors at ORACLE Arena on December 28, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts during their game against the Toronto Raptors at ORACLE Arena on December 28, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 28: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors is guarded by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 28, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 28: Terrence Ross #31 of the Toronto Raptors goes up for a shot against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 28, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors high-fives Draymond Green #23 during the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at ORACLE Arena on December 28, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 25: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Channing Frye #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 25: Tristan Thompson #13 sets a pick as Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Warriors 109-108. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers lets the clock run during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena on December 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Warriors 109-108. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 07: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates his dunk with Stephen Curry #30 during a 115-98 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on December 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 07: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors argues during a 115-98 Warriors win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on December 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 07: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors drives on Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on December 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 07: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors steals an inbound pass from Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on December 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 21: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 21, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 21: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 21, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 21: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 21, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 21: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 21, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket as Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on November 16, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Drake cheers from his courtside seat during the first half of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on November 16, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball as Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on November 16, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Steph Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball as DeMarre Carroll #10 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on November 16, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors passes the ball around his brother, Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks, at ORACLE Arena on November 9, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots over Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on November 9, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a shot against the Dallas Mavericks at ORACLE Arena on November 9, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Klay Thompson #11 high-fives Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors after Thompson made a basket against the Dallas Mavericks at ORACLE Arena on November 9, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans is surrounded by David West #3, Stephen Curry #30 and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on November 7, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the New Orleans Pelicans at ORACLE Arena on November 7, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Stephen Curry #30 high-fives Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at ORACLE Arena on November 7, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot against Dante Cunningham #33 of the New Orleans Pelicans at ORACLE Arena on November 7, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 25: Shaun Livingston #34 of the Golden State Warriors shoots and scores a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter in an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on October 25, 2016 Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes up to shoot and gets fouled by Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on October 25, 2016 Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 25: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball up court against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter in an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on October 25, 2016 Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 25: Prior to an NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors is seen in detailed view of Craig Sager-Themed T-shirts on the back of the seats provided for all fans in attendance by City National Bank as a tribute to the iconic TNT sideline reporter and his ongoing fight against leukemia. at ORACLE Arena on October 25, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 25: Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on October 25, 2016 Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Following a timeout, Irving dribbled deep into the lane and hit his off-balance shot over Thompson.
The Warriors set up a game-winning chance for Durant, but he stumbled with pressure applied by Richard Jefferson and fell to the floor and watched helplessly as Cleveland's fans roared and Cavs coach Tyronn Lue clapped and screamed.
The teams will meet again on Jan. 16 and then not again unless they make it back to the Finals - a "three-quel" that would be the first in league history.
"Just to get back here and for them to get back to our place, a lot of things have to go right," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.
The Cavs were playing their third game without starting guard J.R. Smith, who will miss three months after undergoing surgery on a broken right thumb.
To remind their guests of what happened in June, the Cavs left a door propped open just down the hallway from Golden State's locker room where a large photo of James' game-changing, career-defining block of Andre Iguodala in Game 7 was on display.
The picture had been doctored with a Cavs championship ring taped over James' left index finger.
James heated up in the third quarter, making four 3-pointers and scoring 16 points. Durant, though, countered with 11 and helped the Warriors take a 87-80 lead into the fourth.
If there was any doubt that this game meant more than the other 81 to both squads and fan bases, Draymond Green took care of that in the opening minutes.
After being called for his second personal foul, Green stormed off the floor, cursing with every step on his way to the bench. Green, whose suspension from Game 5 of the Finals helped swing the series to Cleveland, was slapped with a technical and several of his teammates came over to calm him down before things got worse.
