Curry, LeBron praise Livingston's career-high performance

The Golden State Warriors rallied behind their season slogan for a Game 1 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"Strength in Numbers" has been a mantra for the defending champions all year long, and their depth was no more evident Thursday with their two stars struggling to open the NBA Finals.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 20 points in the 104-89 win, their lowest total in a game they both played in over the last two seasons.

The offense was paced instead by a playoff career high 20 points from backup point guard Shaun Livingston.

"It could be anyone on any given night," Livingston said. "(I'm) just staying confident in my shot, staying confident in my game."

Cavaliers star LeBron James, who fell one assist shy of a triple-double, gave full marks to Livingston for his performance.

"Obviously the game ball goes to Shaun Livingston," he said. "(He) gave them a huge boost."

Golden State took a nine-point lead into halftime despite Curry and Thompson combining for only 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting. They finished the game 8-for-27, including 4-of-13 from beyond the arc.

Led by Livingston, the Warriors' bench outscored the Cavaliers' bench 45-10.

"We definitely get a boost when our bench guys come in and change the game," Curry said.