Golden State Warriors to face Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA finals re-match

The Golden State Warriors remain on track to defend their title after clinching a spot in the NBA finals for the fourth consecutive year.

A nail-biting decider in the Western Conference finals saw the Warriors dismiss the Houston Rockets 101-92, despite trailing throughout the first half.

Reclaiming the NBA crown will not be easy, however, as the Warriors will once again square up against old rivals the Cleveland Cavaliers in pursuit of victory.

The two sides have contested the finals each year since 2015 – and the Cavs will be looking to even up their records at two victories apiece.

The Warriors won in 2015 and again last year, while the Cavs took the title in 2016.

For a time it looked as though hopes of a re-match would be unlikely, as the Rockets powered to an early lead in game seven of the Western Conference series.

By half-time they were ahead by 11 points – but a Warriors comeback spoiled their hopes of their first NBA finals since 1995.

Kevin Durant and Steph Curry led the way, both hitting three-pointers to tie the scores and then push the Warriors ahead.

They ended the match on 34 and 27 points respectively, ably assisted by Klay Thompson who added another 19.

The Rockets did not help their cause, missing 27 consecutive three-pointers in the final two quarters – an NBA record they would probably rather forget.

James Harden was their best asset, finishing with 32 points and six assists.

The first game of the NBA finals will be played on Thursday night.