Matthew Dellavedova Represents Cleveland Perfectly
The story of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals has been Matthew Dellavedova. Not the great stat line from LeBron James. Not the clutch plays by Tristan Thompson or J.R. Smith. Not the Atlanta Hawks rediscovering their style of play, a style that led them to the #1 seed. It isn’t even the Cavs being up 3 – 0 in the East Finals.
Nope the story is Matthew Dellavedova. The Australian point guard, that most NBA fans didn’t even know played in the NBA, is the story coming out of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Exactly what we all expected right?
Dellavedova was in the middle of the controversial play that led to Hawks star center Al Horford being ejected. This follows the play in the Chicago Bulls series where Taj Gibson and Delly tangled. Then, just one game prior in Game 2, Delly dove for a loose ball leading to star shooter Kyle Korver being hurt and now out for the rest of the NBA Playoffs.
Delly has been skewered by most in the media, including Reggie Miller, Chris Webber and Kenny Smith, for his play. The hard working Aussie has been called “dirty” based on his connection to these 3 plays. Instead of reveling in the myriad of conjecture about Delly today, we are going in another direction.
Matthew Dellavedova represents Cleveland Perfectly!
Cleveland is a former jewel of the country. A key port city of commerce and trade, Cleveland was once the home of culture, society and vibrancy. Cleveland once was a star only to be brought low by the changing priorities of the culture. Even some Clevelanders gave up on the city.
Dellavedova was once the star guard at St. Mary. His jersey retired by the school in 2014, only a year after graduating. He is the school’s leader in points, assists, games, free throws and 3 pointers. Yet Delly was brought low though. He was undrafted, unwanted. Many Cavalier fans gave up on Delly.
Cleveland’s resurrection as a city has come on the backs of hardworking and resourceful people that are committed to it. There has been no simple return, no magical potion and no easy answer that has brought about the city’s slow steady climb back to success. But here it is, a city on the rise, a city of importance once again.
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Delly’s return to prominence has come from his hardwork and resourcefulness. He has pushed, pulled and scrapped his way to becoming a capable starter in the Eastern Conference Finals. He has improved his catch and shoot ability. He has been aggressive as a defender and competent as a decision maker. Nothing has been easy with only his work ethic an elite trait. But here he is, a player on the rise, a player of importance on the biggest of stages.
Matthew Dellavedova may be a pariah to the Hawks, the media and some in the NBA. For Cleveland, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, he is the perfect representation of the city. Once a prize, brought down only to rise again. Matthew Dellavedova is Cleveland.
What are your thoughts on Matthew Dellavedova?