The Golden State Warriors have left themselves needing just one more win to secure the title after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-91 in game five of the NBA Finals.

It took almost three minutes for either side to open the scoring in a cagey start, but Klay Thompson finally found the basket for the home team.

It looked like the Western Conference champions would pull away early on as they surged to a six-point lead, but JR Smith and LeBron James ensured that the sides remained level at the end of the opening 12 minutes.

Cleveland had the stronger start in the second quarter as James kept piling on the points, putting them seven ahead midway through the period, but a late flourish from Harrison Barnes edged Golden State ahead by one at half time.

The lead continued to change hands throughout the third quarter as Tristan Thompson put the visitors back in front before Thompson and Draymond Green handed the advantage back to the Warriors.

Golden State tried to pull away at the start of the fourth as Thompson and Barnes added a string of quick-fire shots, but James hit two three-pointers, while Iman Shumpert also added three from 23 feet, keeping the scores close.

The Cavaliers were still in contention with five minutes to go, but Stephen Curry finished the game with 17 of his 37 points in the final quarter, taking the game away from the visitors.

The reigning league MVP put the home side ahead by 10 inside the final three minutes with a three-pointer before making a string of late free throws to seal the game, while the shooting of the visiting side dropped off, with only Thompson finding the target again.

The result means that the Warriors will be able to clinch the title with a win at the Cavaliers' Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday.