Curry, LeBron showdown set in Cavaliers-Warriors repeat NBA final (AFP)

Anticipation was building Thursday for the start of an NBA Finals rematch between the defending champion Golden State Warriors, sparked by sharpshooter Stephen Curry, and the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers. From signs around the Bay Area to people wearing caps and shirts with the Warriors' yellow and blue colors and a mounting buzz of activity at Oakland's Oracle Arena, there was a sense that the 70th edition of the NBA's best-of-seven championship series could be one of the classics. The Warriors beat an injury-depleted Cleveland lineup in six games last year to claim their first title since 1975 despite four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James setting the series pace in points, rebounds and assists.