“He almost died!” Guarding Steph Curry put LeBron James teammate’s health in risk

The grueling challenge of defending the greatest shooter of all time

“He almost died!” Guarding Steph Curry put LeBron James teammate’s health in risk

Despite Matthew Dellavedova's strenuous efforts, Stephen Curry still averaged 26.0 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds in 6 games against the Cavaliers in the 2015 NBA Finals (Bleacher Report)

Professional basketball is no stranger to intense rivalries and grueling matchups. Still, few instances capture the essence of dedication and physical toll, like Matthew Dellavedova’s experience guarding Stephen Curry in the 2015 NBA Finals. As a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dellavedova was tasked with one of the most challenging assignments in basketball. He had to stop the Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry.

Delly’s efforts in the finals, particularly in Game 2, were nothing short of heroic. He managed to hold Curry to 0-for-8 shooting, including 0-for-5 from three-point range, significantly contributing to the Cavaliers’ win in that game. His relentless defense and sheer willpower drew widespread praise, not just from fans and analysts but also from his teammates.

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Reflecting on Matthew Dellavedova’s performance, former teammate JR Smith, in an interview with JJ Redick, said:

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Delly almost died guarding Steph Curry. No, literally almost died. We have footage of this man in the ice tub, like literally to his neck, trying to guard this man. He tried... He literally gave everything he had, and there was no excuse.
JR Smith via The Old Man for the Three podcast

The physical and mental strain of guarding one of the NBA’s best shooters was evident. Delly’s commitment to his defensive role led to severe cramping, resulting in hospitalization after playing over 38 minutes for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3. This incident highlighted not only the physical demands of professional basketball but also the extreme lengths players go to in pursuit of victory.

The art of defending Stephen Curry

Guarding a player like Stephen Curry is not just about physical endurance; it requires immense mental fortitude and strategic thinking. Matthew Dellavedova noted the challenge, mentioning that Curry “never stops moving” and emphasizing the importance of team defense in countering Curry’s playstyle.

Matthew Dellavedova held Steph Curry to 0-8 from the field in game 2, and even forced 4 turnovers
Matthew Dellavedova held Steph Curry to 0-8 from the field in game 2, and even forced 4 turnovers (AP)

The 2015 NBA Finals not only showcased the Golden State Warriors’ rise to dominance but also put a spotlight on players like Dellavedova. Despite being less celebrated, demonstrated the spirit and resilience that define professional sports. His performance in those finals remains a testament to the unsung heroes of the basketball world.

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Dellavedova’s story is a reminder of the sacrifices athletes make in the heat of competition. It’s a narrative about pushing physical and mental boundaries, a testament to the saying, “Leaving it all on the court.”

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