Cleveland Cavaliers have pulled out back to back wins in the NBA Finals, including their first home finals win in franchise history. While LeBron James has been the obvious star for the Cavs it has been one underdog that has stepped up when his number was called on the biggest stage in basketball.
Matthew Dellavedova, the undrafted, scrappy and tough Australian out of St. Mary’s College of California has played tremendously for the Cavs, making himself a household name in the process. ‘Delly’ had the daunting task going into game 2 of the NBA Finals of being the main defensive assignment on the reigning NBA MVP, Stephen Curry. When Kyrie Irving went down with his injury that would keep him out of the NBA Finals, all eyes immediate went on the scruffy bearded young kid with a ‘dirty player’ label.
Much like Patty Mills, who is also an Australian St.Mary’s Alumni, in last years finals, the unsuspecting point guard has stepped up tremendously. The game two performance by Matthew Dellavedova was a good one but he managed to impress even more in game three, diving all over the floor, hustling and even scored the second most points on the Cavs.
It was his night as he somehow managed to make one amazing play after another. It first was his defense and hustle initially winning the night but then he tossed up a great alley-oop to LeBron James for a huge dunk and then he sealed his night with a tremendous and-1 layup that banked off the glass. Dellavedova finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and most importantly, the Cavaliers got the win in game 3 and have the 2-1 series lead in the NBA Finals. After the game Matthew Dellavedova did go to the hospital with severe cramping but he is expected to be ok for game 4.
