Chasing Stephen Curry Sent LeBron James’ Championship-Winning Teammate to the Hospital

Stephen Curry is undoubtedly the greatest shooter of all time. Since getting drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the seventh pick, Curry has transformed the game of basketball forever. His influence and impact on the court have drastically changed how teams play in the NBA today.

Over the last decade, Curry has led the Warriors on a dynastic run from 2014 to 2022. During this eight-year period, they reached the NBA Finals six times and won four championships. Alongside Klay Thompson, they formed the greatest backcourt shooting duo in league history.

From 2015 to 2018, the Warriors met the Cleveland Cavaliers in all four NBA Finals. However, in 2015, Matthew Dellavedova was tasked with defending Curry.

As resilient as Dellavedova was, it was nearly an impossible task. During his appearance on The Richard Show, he spoke about the consequences of guarding Curry.

It’s like an impossible task chasing Steph around. He never gets tired. So I get in the locker room, they do the talk, but I start cramping. My quads are cramping. My hamstrings are cramping. I’m just in a world of hurt. Steve and the doctor were like, ‘Yeah, your best shot at getting ready for the next game is going to the hospital and just getting an IV overnight.‘

Matthew Dellavedova on The Richard Show

Matthew Dellavedova tells a story about having to go to the hospital after guarding Steph Curry in game 3 of the 2015 finals:

“I mean, obviously it’s like an impossible task chasing Steph around. He never gets tired. Bogut and Draymond and David Lee are trying to kill me on… https://t.co/k1ObN18Oqw pic.twitter.com/n4HgrNza6h

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) August 18, 2026

With Kyrie Irving suffering an injury in Game 1, Dellavedova was thrust into the starting role in Game 2. While he was nowhere near as talented or effective as Irving, he played his heart out in the Finals and became a fan favorite in the organization.

The Australian did a fine job in trying to contain Stephen Curry. His Cavs teammate, JR Smith, later revealed that Dellavedova was nearly dead after every game after guarding the two-time MVP. Several NBA players have confirmed that guarding and chasing Curry is almost an impossible task.

Matthew Dellavedova was the hardest-working player on the 2016 Cavs

Matthew Dellavedova was a part of the historic NBA Finals in 2016. After losing the Finals in 2015, the Cavs were on the brink of suffering another defeat in 2016 as they went 3-1 down against the Warriors. However, LeBron James and Irving played some of the best basketball of their lives and pulled off the comeback.

Richard Jefferson, also on the 2016 Cavs team, named Dellavedova the hardest-working player on the roster.

I say this as a compliment to your work ethic. I would always say if you worked 1% less, you wouldn’t be in the NBA. But you worked harder than anybody on the team. And I would include Bron. I would include Kevin. But for how hard you worked with a level of consistency every single day, you were pound-for-pound the hardest worker on the team.

Richard Jefferson on The Richard Show

Richard Jefferson says Matthew Dellavedova was the hardest working player on the 2016 Cavs:

“I said this, and I say this as a compliment to your work ethic. I would always say if you worked 1% less, you wouldn’t be in the NBA. 1%. But you worked harder than anybody on the team.… pic.twitter.com/14fEbukCyC

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) August 18, 2026

Dellavedova was an undrafted player but played in the NBA for nine seasons. After winning the championship in 2016, he joined the Milwaukee Bucks in a sign-and-trade deal. His last NBA appearance came in the 2022-23 campaign for the Sacramento Kings.

Stephen Curry is excited heading into his 18th season

Stephen Curry is one of the greatest players of all time. Over the last 17 years, he has been one of the league’s most entertaining players and has continued to improve with age. While he suffered from injuries last season, he still averaged 26.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 43 appearances.

When asked for his thoughts about the upcoming campaign, Curry expressed excitement over the opportunity for a fresh start.

I’m excited. We’re going to take advantage of the rest of the offseason, there’s a lot of health coming back. For me, I’m blessed to play this game. I feel good taking advantage of the offseason.

Stephen Curry in a courtside interview during Golden State Valkyries game

Steph Curry on how his summer’s been going and how excited he is for Year 18:

“I’m excited. We’re going to take advantage of the rest of the offseason, but I think we have a, there’s a lot of health coming back. For me, I’m blessed to play this game. I feel good taking advantage… pic.twitter.com/aXzx7WP134

— aly ✶ (@jinthirty) August 18, 2026

The Warriors front office has been criticized for their lack of moves in the summer. Reports say the players also know they are far from contenders heading into next season. However, the poor offseason has not stopped Curry from expressing his excitement before the 2026-27 campaign gets underway.

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