The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently on a tough losing streak, having dropped four straight games, including three on their current West Coast swing after a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Cavs are trying to recapture the glory of what they were able to accomplish in 2015-16, when the team won its first and only NBA championship.
One key member of that team was point guard Matthew Dellavedova, who now plays overseas in his native Australia and was recently awarded the NBL Finals MVP despite his team losing the series (via Tommy Beer, per NBA Central on X).
In a classy gesture, Dellavedova ended up giving his trophy to Will Hickey, a member of the opposing team.
“This really belongs to you, you had a hell of a series,” said Dellavedova.
He then walked out into the crowd and gave Hickey, who was observing the speech, the trophy, which drew applause from the fans in attendance.
Dellavedova’s classy move was not exactly completely in line with the reputation he built up during his time in the NBA, particularly during the 2015 playoffs, where he caused multiple season-ending injuries to members of the Cavs’ opponents by recklessly diving after lose balls.
However, Dellavedova did play a key role in the Cavs’ run that year beyond just weakening the opposition, playing solid defense and knocking down many of the countless open jumpers that were generated by the presence of LeBron James, particularly in Game 6 of their second round series vs the Chicago Bulls. Dellavedova saw a somewhat diminished role in the following season once Kyrie Irving was back and healthy, but he was still a beloved member of the Cavs’ first and only championship squad.
Fans will be hoping to add a second trophy to their case this season, but first the Cavs will have to get back on track following their recent ugly losing skid.
