Matthew Dellavedova 'made of steel' - LeBron James

LeBron James hailed Matthew Dellavedova as the Cleveland Cavaliers' man of steel after they took an NBA Finals lead on Tuesday.

Dellavedova produced a remarkably-proficient offensive performance in the Cavs' 96-91 game three win over the Golden State Warriors, the Australian posting 20 points and helping keep Steph Curry quiet in the first three quarters in Cleveland.

While Curry netted 17 final-quarter points to launch the Warriors' bid for an away-court victory, Dellavedova was just as critical late - diving on a loose ball and draining free throws to put the Cavs seven points clear inside the final minute.

Four-time MVP James had high praise for the player whose fame is rising by the game.

"[He's] gotta be made of steel or something," James said of his team-mate in an on-court interview.

"If there's a ball on the ground, he's going to be the first guy to the ground. He showed it multiple times tonight, he's huge for our team.

"He gives us that grit. That grit that we need. He gives us everything until the tank is empty.

"And he has a small little reserve tank that he continues to work through, it's huge for us."

Dellavdeova's free throws came with 51.9 seconds on the clock to all-but ice game three for Cleveland, but James said - largely - their finish to the game was less than ideal.

"That last minute-and-a-half, we've got a lot to learn from," the former Miami Heat man critiqued.

On his own mammoth performance - he is averaging 41 points per game in the championship-deciding series - James, who had 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists on Tuesday, said he just kept persevering.

"I don't have a choice," he replied, when asked how he can handle the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

"I'm here. This is a great moment. And my team-mates need me.

"It's my job to go out and lead those guys, teach those guys and yell at those guys, and then come back and tell them it's OK, let's move to the next play.

"I've gotta continue to be myself. I don't know if I can continue to put up these type of numbers, but I know I'll continue to lead these guys every night."