The first game of the NBA Finals 2015 did not disappoint.

The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers traded blows all throughout the game until an overtime period where the Cavs simply waned. All the while, the Oracle Arena was in full voice, ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ at all the right moments.

It was what a Finals game is meant to be.

The Warriors got off to a good start, leading 11-9 at one point after a Harrison Barnes corner three. The shots stopped falling for a lengthy period after that, however, allowing Kyrie Irving and LeBron James to spur the Cavs to a 17-2 run to take a 26-13 lead. Despite the ‘Splash Brothers’ being withdrawn, the Warriors managed to salvage the quarter, pulling to within 10.

Curry returned to the game to score eight straight points in the second, retaking the lead for the Warriors. Two trademark quick-release treys had the Dub Nation frenzied. From then on, no team really seemed able to pull away. The fourth quarter began 73-73.

With the game poised at 98-98, with under 30 seconds to go, Curry made space for himself and drove in for a potential game-winning lay-up. Irving, who had 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for the match raced in to make his most important play, swatting Curry’s lay-up from behind. The Oracle groaned.

LeBron then had the chance to sink a dagger for Cleveland but had his shot rattled off the rim, thanks in part to tight Andre Iguodala defence. Iguodala had a good game, including 15 points, and overtime lockdown of James.

rving’s troublesome knee gave out in overtime when he tried to cross up Klay Thompson, and it was fatal to the Cavaliers. LeBron scored their only basket, bringing his total to 44, when it was meaningless and the game was out of reach. As expected, the Warriors bench was vastly superior to Cleveland’s, outscoring them 34-9. The Splash brothers had a combined 47 points in the 108-100 victory.

Today’s Game 2 starts at 7pm, with GSW having home advantage again. Irving is out for four months, following his knee injury re-aggravation. The promising Australian Matthew Delladova will likely replace him at point guard, while David Blatt will have to look to JR Smith to be the shooter we know he can be. Of course, LeBron has been known to ball handle, as well as Iman Shumpert to a lesser extent. The Warriors have no notable injuries.

After tonight, the next two games will take place in Cleveland on Tuesday and Thursday.