Dellavedova's Grueling Defense on Curry Led to Hospitalization in 2015 NBA Finals
In a revealing account, Matthew Dellavedova shared details of his demanding defensive assignment against Stephen Curry during the 2015 NBA Finals, an effort so strenuous it landed him in the hospital with severe cramping. His relentless pursuit of Curry across the court, navigating numerous screens set by Golden State's formidable players, pushed his body to its absolute limits, making a normal recovery impossible after the pivotal Game 3.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard vividly described the physical ordeal, highlighting the unyielding nature of guarding an opponent like Curry, who seemingly never tired. Dellavedova's task involved constant, high-intensity movement, with Golden State's Andrew Bogut, Draymond Green, and David Lee repeatedly setting picks to free their star shooter. This strategic offensive play by the Warriors significantly amplified the physical demands placed on Dellavedova, forcing him into an exhausting, non-stop chase.
The intensity of Game 3, played on June 9, 2015, saw Cleveland triumph over the Golden State Warriors with a score of 96-91 in overtime, giving the Cavaliers a 2-1 lead in the series. Dellavedova was on the court for an astonishing 39 minutes, dedicating nearly every moment to containing Curry, who still managed to put up 27 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. The Cavaliers' veteran players, including Mike Miller and James Jones, recognized Dellavedova's extraordinary effort, frequently reminding him to secure every loose ball, underscoring the critical nature of his commitment.
As the game drew to a close, Dellavedova's physical state rapidly deteriorated. He recalled his head "wobbling around" even before the final buzzer, and his condition worsened considerably upon reaching the locker room. There, he was hit by excruciating cramps in both his quadriceps and hamstrings simultaneously. Team medical staff struggled to alleviate the pain, resorting to cutting his tights and applying ice, but the concurrent muscle spasms made stretching virtually impossible, leaving him in a "world of hurt."
To facilitate his recovery for the subsequent game, team doctors and the coach decided that an overnight hospital stay for intravenous fluids was the most effective course of action. With only one day separating Game 3 and Game 4, rapid recuperation was paramount. Dellavedova returned to play 42 minutes in Game 4, scoring four points and dishing out five assists, though Cleveland ultimately lost that game 103-82, evening the series at 2-2. His remarkable defensive contributions throughout the series, averaging 7.2 points and 3.0 assists over 34.9 minutes per game in his first NBA Finals appearance, cemented his reputation as a tenacious defender.
Dellavedova's candid recollection offers a rare glimpse into the extreme physical sacrifices professional athletes make. His experience underscores the immense strain involved in defending an elite, highly mobile player like Stephen Curry, particularly within the high-stakes environment of the NBA Finals. This personal narrative adds another layer to the understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level of basketball, emphasizing the hidden tolls beyond the on-court statistics.