The Cleveland Cavaliers tied the NBA Finals at 1-1 with a 95-93 victory over the Golden State Warriors in game two of the series.
The Warriors had a strong start to the game as they took the impetus in the first quarter when Klay Thompson connected with several scores from distance.
However, LeBron James rallied the visitors towards the end of the first period with a couple of two-pointers to tie the scores.
Steve Kerr's men took the initiative in the second quarter as Thompson began to find his range once again with a series of high-quality shots, but James responded with teammate James Jones to ensure Cleveland did not fall further behind.
A three-pointer from Jones edged the Cavaliers ahead midway through the second period, while Timofey Mozgov put his side seven points ahead with a driving layup.
It was the turn of the Warriors to hit back when Stephen Curry and Thompson to bring their side within a point at half time.
James came out for the third quarter with intent and made a two-pointer from 10 feet to edge his side further in front, but the home side tied the scores thanks to shots from Harrison Barnes and Curry.
The Warriors' defense was being pushed to breaking point as they committed as series of fouls, and Mozgov and James made them pay by netting several points from free throws in the middle of the third.
However, Thompson kept his team in the game with a late flurry to leave the scores at 62-59 in favour of the visitors entering the fourth.
Kerr's side started the final quarter in perfect fashion as Thompson nailed a three-pointer from 26 feet, but their joy was short lived as Matthew Dellavedova netted a couple of two-pointers in quick succession.
The two sides exchanged score for score as the fourth progressed as JR Smith, James and Dellavedova were on form for the visitors, but Thompson, Barnes and Draymond Green helped the home side keep within striking distance.
As time winded down the Cavaliers were unable to pull away as James and Iman Shumpert missed from distance, which allowed Curry to tie the scores with 20 seconds remaining.
There was still time for James to seal the win for his side, but he missed in the dying seconds to send the match to overtime.
A three-pointer from Shumpert edged David Blatt's men ahead, but Green brought his side within a point with a couple of scores, while Curry handed his side their first lead since the first quarter by nailing two free throws.
However, Dellavedova earned a foul for the visitors and maintained his composure to nail his shots to restore Cleveland's advantage, while James added another point to all but seal the victory.
With four seconds remaining, Curry's poor pass was stolen by Shumpert allowing the Cavs to secure the win to tie the series.
Game three of the Finals takes place on Tuesday in Cleveland.
Simon Sinclair
