Matthew Dellavedova was not even expected to play a starting role for Cleveland Cavaliers, but with Kyrie Irving's unavailability, Dellavedova was asked to replace Irving and how well did the Australian come up with the goods in the last two games of the NBA finals.
Though it was LeBron James, who stole the show with his 40 points in game 3 of the NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors and helped Cavaliers take 2-1 lead in the best of seven series, Dellavedova turned up the heat with a Playoff career high of 20 points and also grasped four rebounds.
With a splendid performance from the duo, they won game 3, 91-96.
Dellavedova's performance was not only limited on the offensive end, but also played an important role in stopping NBA MVP, Stephen Curry into taking easy shots. Dellavedova made life difficult for Curry, who looked below par in the first three quarters, as Dellavedova kept a very close guard on him.
It was his stubborn defensive act, which kept Curry at bay for the first three quarters. One of the major positives about his game is the way he works hard on the court and never gives up, which makes his a tough nut to crack, as Curry has been witnessing of late.
Lebron James, who top scored for Cavs' feels he is ''made of steel'' after his amazing performance.
"He is made of steel or something. If there's a ball on the ground he is going to be the first guy on the ground. He showed that multiple times tonight," Sydney Morning Herald quoted James as saying.
"He gives us everything until the tank is empty, and he has a small little reserve tank that he continues to work through. He is huge for our team, he gives us that grit, that grit that we need. He was huge for us."
Curry found his way in the last quarter of the game only, but it was too late for the star to help his team turn victorious.
At the end of the game, the Cavs' fans, who are so used to applauding James for his performance, chanted "Delly" (Matthew Dellavedova's nickname) after his tremendous performance on the floor.
