Former Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith recounted his teammate Matthew Dellavedova’s “near-death” experience while guarding Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry during the 2015 NBA Finals. Despite the efforts of Dellavedova, Curry averaged 26 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game during that series, which the Warriors won in six games. Smith credits Dellavedova’s grit and determination during that Finals, where he gave it his all despite struggling to keep up with Curry. Although Dellavedova is out indefinitely due to finger surgery, he will share his experience in guarding the NBA superstar with his Kings teammates.
Dellavedova’s “near-death” experience guarding Curry
J.R. Smith, in a recent episode of “The Old Man and The Three” podcast, recalled teammate Matthew Dellavedova’s efforts in guarding Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry during the 2015 NBA Finals. Smith joked that Dellavedova “almost died” trying to guard the NBA superstar. Smith mentioned seeing footage of Dellavedova in an ice tub, up to his neck, trying to recover from the physical toll of trying to guard Curry. Although Curry was unstoppable in that Finals, averaging 26 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, Smith lauded Dellavedova’s never-say-die attitude in trying to slow down Curry.
Dellavedova’s tenacity and determination
Dellavedova, who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2015 and 2016 NBA Finals, will miss the upcoming games due to finger surgery. While he may not be on the court to share his experience in guarding Curry, he will certainly pass on his insights and knowledge to his Kings teammates. Smith praised Dellavedova’s grit and determination, saying that the former Cavaliers guard gave everything he had, even when it seemed impossible to stop Curry. Although Dellavedova only played 46 minutes in the 2016 NBA Finals, he remains a fan favorite for his hard-nosed style of play.
Kings’ chances of stopping Curry
With Dellavedova out indefinitely, the task of guarding Curry will fall to other Kings players. The Kings will need to find a way to slow down the Warriors’ superstar if they hope to win their upcoming games. Although it won’t be easy, the Kings will undoubtedly draw inspiration from Dellavedova’s heroic efforts in trying to stop Curry during the 2015 NBA Finals. The Kings will need to play with the same level of tenacity and determination if they hope to come out on top in their upcoming games against the Warriors.
