LeBron James and the Cavaliers trailed the Golden State Warriors three-games-to-two and desperately needed a victory to force a seventh and deciding contest in the series. The Cavs were also trying to hand the Warriors back-to-back losses for just the second time all year, otherwise, the Dubs would be celebrating a championship on their home court for the second straight season.

LeBron James (R) of Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during Game 6 of NBA Finals, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, on June 16, 2016. LeBron James scored 41 points for the second straight game to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a NBA Finals Game 7 after a 115-101 over the Golden State Warriors Thursday. [Photo: Xinhua]

The hosts would start out strong -- getting the strip on the defensive end, and then in transition LeBron James is able to rock the rim. Cleveland would score 13 of the first 15 points to take control.

The King would then turn distributor as he finds Tristan Thompson running the floor -- to extend the lead to 15. Cleveland led by as much as 22.

James now on the low block and he cannot get the turnaround in the lane -- so the Warriors are off and running, and Steph Curry stops and pos for three -- the lead down to double digits.

But the Cavalaiers were motivated -- James again leading the fast break, and Thompson again out in front, soaring high for the alley oop. The Cavs would lead by 19 at the break.

Kyrie Irving (L) of Cleveland Cavaliers is defended by Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors during Game 6 of NBA Finals, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, on June 16, 2016. LeBron James scored 41 points for the second straight game to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a NBA Finals Game 7 after a 115-101 over the Golden State Warriors Thursday. [Photo: Xinhua]