Warriors rout defending champion Cavaliers 126-91 in rematch

Agencies | Updated: 2017-01-17 15:53

Warriors rout defending champion Cavaliers 126-91 in rematch

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors steals the ball from LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on January 16, 2017 in Oakland, California. [Photo/VCG]

OAKLAND, California — Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors certainly looked ready to trade some more blows with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers come June.

The two-time reigning MVP hit five 3-pointers and had 20 points while matching his season best with 11 assists in Golden State's 126-91 rout of the defending champs Monday.

Klay Thompson scored 26 points with five 3s, and Draymond Green produced his third triple-double of the season with 11 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. He also equaled his career best with five blocks — and had another dustup with King James in the process.

James had 20 points on 6-of-18 shooting and eight rebounds as he and Green became the talk once more as their relationship turned even more testy.

Kevin Durant added 21 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks for the Warriors in a much-hyped matchup merely weeks after Golden State lost 109-108 in Cleveland on Christmas.

The Warriors squandered a 14-point lead that day in a loss that fueled them going into Monday. They relinquished a 3-1 advantage in the NBA Finals last year, a failure that motivates them to return to the big stage. And the rivals' latest holiday game marked the Cavs' first trip back to Oracle Arena since capturing the title here seven months ago.

Kyrie Irving — who hit game-winners against Golden State in the past two matchups, including the championship clincher — scored 17 points on an uncharacteristic day for the Cavs when they committed 15 turnovers to 11 assists.