J.R. Smith reveals Steph Curry ‘NEARLY KILLED’ Matthew Dellavedova during Cavs and Warriors’ epic NBA Finals battle
JR Smith shares a shocking story about Dellavedova’s health scare after guarding Curry in the 2015 NBA Finals.
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JR Smith, Steph Curry and Matthew Dellavadova
The 2015 NBA Finals featured a thrilling showdown between the Golden State Warriors, who had the league’s best record and MVP Steph Curry, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who had the world’s best player LeBron James and a scrappy group of role players.
One of the key battles in that series was between Curry and Cavaliers’ Matthew Dellavedova, a reserve point guard who was thrust into the spotlight as a starter due to a season-ending injury to Kyrie Irving in Game 1. Dellavedova was tasked with guarding Curry, one of the most dangerous shooters and dribblers in NBA history.
Dellavedova put up a valiant effort but it came with a price. He pushed himself to the brink, to the point where he ‘nearly died,’ according to his teammate J.R. Smith.
“Delly almost died guarding Steph Curry,” Smith said on the Old Man and The Three podcast. “We have footage of this man in the ice tub like literally to his neck… He could barely talk after, that’s how hard he was trying.”
Smith said Dellavedova was so drained and dehydrated after Game 3 that he had to be hospitalized and receive IV fluids. He said that Dellavedova was ready to sacrifice his body for the team and that he admired him for that.
Dellavedova played with incredible intensity and toughness. He chased Curry all over the court, fought through screens, dove for loose balls, and disrupted the Warriors star. Dellavedova did play with great intensity and effort, and he did make Curry work hard for his shots. He also scored 20 points in Game 3, a career-high for him in the playoffs. However, he could not outplay Curry in Game 2, as Curry had 19 points, six assists, and five rebounds, while Dellavedova had nine points, five assists, and six turnovers. Curry also bounced back in Game 4 and Game 5, scoring 22 and 37 points respectively, while Dellavedova struggled with his shooting and defense.
The Impact of Matthew Dellavedova’s Defense on Steph Curry
Matthew Dellavedova’s defense against Curry was a valiant effort, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Warriors from claiming the title in six games.
Curry shook off his rough start and put up 26 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game in the series. He also hit some big shots in Games 5 and 6 to close out the Cavs.
Dellavedova’s defense against Curry was impressive, but it also highlighted how difficult it is to contain a player of Curry’s skill. The two-time NBA MVP is inarguably the best shooter of all time, and he can light it up from anywhere on the floor. He can also create his own shot with his handles and quick release.
Dellavedova tried his best to bother Curry, but he couldn’t stop him. He sacrificed his body for his team, but he also earned respect from his peers and fans for his grit and determination. Cavaliers and Dellavedova did go on to beat the Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals and help Cleveland win its first championship.
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)