Categories: Videos

Video: Matthew Dellavedova Involved in Skirmish During International Basketball Game

Published by
D.J. Siddiqi

It would seem Matthew Dellavedova’s on-ourt antics have gone international.

The undersized Cleveland Cavaliers guard was involved in a skirmish during a friendly in preparation for the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship.

During the fourth quarter of Australia and Lithuania’s friendly, the Aussie once again picked on someone a lot bigger than his own size. Chris Fedor of the Northeast Ohio Media Group detailed the “fight” as follows:

“As the undersized Dellavedova was trying to stand his ground in the post, he pushed the bigger Sabonis in the back, leading the referees to blow the whistle and intervene.

“But that didn’t stop the feisty Australian. He took an unnecessary swipe at the ball, angering Sabonis and causing a few of his teammates to get involved before it was broken up.”

This is not uncommon for Dellavedova—he became known for his toughness and hustle during this past year’s postseason. Despite averaging just 7.2 points per game on 34.6 percent shooting from the field, the gritty Australian became an irritant for opposing players due to several high-profile skirmishes involving the Chicago Bulls’ Taj Gibson and the Atlanta Hawks’ Al Horford and Kyle Korver.

In the case of Korver, Dellavedova fell on the forward’s leg while scrapping for a loose ball during the Eastern Conference Finals. The incident would end up finishing Korver’s season due to a severe high ankle sprain. The Cavaliers would make short work of the Atlanta Hawks in 4-0 sweep.

Dellavedova’s Australian national team is looking to qualify for the 2016 Olympics. They will have the opportunity to do so if they defeat New Zealand in less than two weeks.


D.J. Siddiqi

D.J. Siddiqi is a staff writer for Cavaliers Nation. He has followed the NBA passionately since the 90's and has taken a keen interest in following LeBron James' career since he was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft. Once a critic of LeBron, DJ has grown to admire James as he has evolved from 18-year-old phenom to a four-time MVP and two-time NBA Champion. He looks forward to bringing his knowledge of the game to Cavaliers Nation.

Published by
D.J. Siddiqi

Recent Posts

Report: Franz Wagner ‘pierced’ one of Jarrett Allen’s ribs with an elbow during Game 4

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen suffered a rib injury due to an elbow from Orlando…

15 hours ago

Marcus Morris on Cavs fans: ‘I just wanted to get an opportunity to show why they love me and why I love y’all’

Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Marcus Morris had a strong performance in his squad's pivotal Game 5…

2 days ago

Brian Windhorst snaps on Cavs, implies they’re shooting themselves in foot vs. Magic

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst went off on the Cleveland Cavaliers for not taking advantage of the…

3 days ago

Report: Cavs teammates had ‘patronizing’ reactions to Darius Garland 3-pointer earlier in Magic series

Teammates of Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Daris Garland reportedly gave the floor general multiple "patronizing…

4 days ago

Emoni Bates signs off on idea that he could win Most Improved Player in 2024-25 NBA season

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Emoni Bates may have come into the 2023-24 campaign in hopes of…

5 days ago

Donovan Mitchell shoulders blame for ugly Cavs loss: ‘I’m disappointed in myself’

Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell said that he's to blame for the team's blowout…

6 days ago