LeBron James' triple-double led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a surprising Game 2 victory over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, but it was also a coming out party for Matthew Dellavedova. He was thrust into the starting lineup because of Kyrie Irving's season ending knee injury, and responded by shutting Stephen Curry down. Here are five things you probably didn't know about Dellavedova:
1) He's a product of the Australian Institute of Sport
The Institute has developed other Australian basketball stars like Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, and Dante Exum.
2) The Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls think he's a dirty player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmznHPMBwss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1j1S1wKiec
He rolled over the ankles of Kyle Korver (ending his season) and Al Horford of the Hawks, while his antics against Taj Gibson of the Bulls nearly got him jumped by the entire team.
3) He's one of LeBron James' favorites
LeBron has consistently defended and spoken up for "Delly" throughout the season, particularly in the playoffs:
We’re not trying to get people hurt. But you play to win the game and you play aggressively. This guy, he works his tails off every single day. He beats the odds and he comes to play as hard as he can every single night. If they’re focusing on Delly, they’re focusing on the wrong thing.
4) He's St. Mary's all-time leader in scoring, assists, games played, free throw percentage and three-point shots
5) He will be a free agent this summer
And the way he's playing, will likely draw big money from some team this offseason.
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