Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James lauded Matthew Dellavedova for his role in his team's series-levelling win over the Golden State Warriors.

Dellavedova had nine points, including two late free-throws, but helped keep NBA MVP Steph Curry to just 19 points from five-of-23 shooting in the Cavs' 95-93 overtime win.

James was the star with a triple-double of 39 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists as Cleveland squared the NBA Finals at 1-1.

But the four-time MVP had particular praise for Dellavedova after the Australian's role in restricting Curry.

"It [Curry's poor shooting] had everything to do with 'Delly'. He just kept a body on Steph. He made Steph work. He was spectacular, man, defensively," James said.

"We needed everything from him. When Steph shoots the ball, you just automatically think it's going in because he shoots the ball so well.

"I mean, he stunned me on one in the fourth quarter where he just took an in-and-out dribble and raised for a three and he nailed it and that wasn't on 'Delly'.

"He just did a great job. Just trying to make it tough on Steph. That's all you can do. You make it tough on him. You get a contest, and you live with the results, and I think 'Delly' did that."

Dellavedova grabbed an offensive rebound with 10.1 seconds remaining in OT before hitting both of his free-throws – giving the Cavs a lead they would not relinquish.

James lauded the 24-year-old for staying calm under pressure.

"Well, he was very calm," he said.

"Before you get to the free throws, just to follow up on the missed three by J.J. [James Jones], usually when J.J., J.R. [Smith] and Mike Miller shoot, we don't rebound, because most of the time they make them.

"So for us, for 'Delly' to be able to crash in and get that and go up there and knock two free throws down, that was huge."

Game three of the series is in Cleveland on Tuesday.