Cleveland withstood a late fightback from Golden State to record a 96-91 win in Game Three of the NBA Finals on Wednesday (AEST).

The Cavaliers, who dropped the opener in the best-of-seven-match series, made it back-to-back victories thanks to outstanding efforts from LeBron James and Matthew Dellavedova.

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LeBron was pretty handy too. Photo: Getty

James shot 40 points and added 12 rebounds and eight assists in another excellent performance.

But it was Victorian Dellavedova – who nullified the impact of Golden State star Stephen Curry in Game Two before hitting two clutch free-throws – that stole the show.

While James’ brilliance is almost expected, Dellavedova, thrust into Cleveland’s starting line-up after an injury to star Kyrie Irving, has stunned the basketball world with his ability to handle the big moments in the play-offs.

And he did so again, shooting 20 points and claiming five rebounds and four assists.

Dellavedova also played a key role in restricting Curry, who admittedly got hot late but finished with just 27 points.

Fellow Australian Andrew Bogut, who plays for Golden State, only shot four points in 17 minutes of game time.

Cleveland coach David Blatt praised Dellavedova’s all-effort displays after the win.

“I just think he plays as hard as he can every day,” Blatt said at his post-match press conference.

“He plays right. He’s not afraid. He plays courageously.

“He is going to give you whatever he has and you can’t ask for any more than that.”

On Dellavedova’s display, James told ESPN: “He’s made of steel or something. If there’s a ball on the ground, he’s going to be first on the ground.

“He is huge for our team. He gives us that grit.”

Playing in front of their home fans, Cleveland led by four points at quarter-time and seven at the main break.

A big third quarter, in which Dellavedova contributed 10 points, saw the Cavaliers lead 72-55 at the final change, but Golden State stormed back into the match.

Led by Curry, the Warriors got within one point, but at 81-80, a crucial three-point play from Dellavedova swung the momentum back Cleveland’s way.

And the Cavaliers held on, giving them a 2-1 lead ahead of Game Four – which they will also host – on Friday (AEST).