James, who called the game "do-or-die" for his team, scored a game-high 32 points and Kyrie Irving added 30 as the Cavaliers breathed new life into a series that had looked headed for a quick finish after a lopsided opening two games.
Cleveland, well aware that no NBA team in history has ever come back from an 0-3 series deficit to win in seven games, got off to a fast start and led the entire way to keep alive their hopes of avenging last year's Finals defeat to the Warriors.
NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry had a night to forget with 19 points on 6-for-13 shooting for the Warriors.
Game Four is on Friday in Cleveland.
