Spurs surge ahead in NBA finals

Bowen (right) stayed tight on James throughout the game

San Antonio stifled the threat of LeBron James as they beat Cleveland 85-76 in the NBA finals opener.

James averaged 26 points per game in the play-offs but scored only 14 on four-of-16 shooting from the floor.

Whenever James got the ball, Bruce Bowen was immediately in his face and supported by one of his team-mates.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with 27 points and seven assists, while Tim Duncan, already a three-times MVP in the finals, added 24 points in Texas.

San Antonio outscored Cleveland 24-14 in the third period to increase a five-point halftime lead to 64-49 entering the final frame.

A 24ft three-pointer by Robert Horry to open the final quarter stretched the lead to 18 points.

By the time James nailed two consecutive three-pointers midway through the final period it was too late.

Cleveland were the NBA's best rebounding team this season but San Antonio won the battle of the boards 43-32, led by Duncan with 13.

Guard Daniel Gibson hit seven of nine shots to lead Cleveland in scoring with 16. James had only four points at the break and had missed all seven of his shots from the floor.

San Antonio are chasing their fourth title since 1999 while Cleveland are appearing in the finals for the first time in the franchise's 37-year history.

Game two in the best-of-seven series is on Sunday in San Antonio.