Delly delivers as Cavs celebrate Australia Day
Matthew Dellavedova came up big for the Cleveland Cavaliers as his team helped him celebrate Australia Day with a hard-fought 114-107 NBA win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Dellavedova had 18 points, including four three-pointers, and seven assists in the Cavs' victory, getting the team back on track after a tumultuous week of big losses against rivals the Chicago Bulls and the Golden State Warriors and the firing of coach David Blatt.
Bit it was Dellavedova's pre-match cameo that arguably proved the bigger hit after he was handed the microphone for a special Australia Day celebration by the Cavs.
"It's created a lot of excitement back home," he said.
"I want to say happy Australia Day to everyone in Australia, especially everyone watching in Maryborough [Dellavedova's Victorian home town], hey to Mum and Dad.
"And lastly, thanks to everyone in Cleveland for making me feel so welcome. Your support is unreal. Go Cavs!"
The 25-year-old passed 1,000 career points in the first quarter of the clash.
"I wouldn't have, in my wildest dreams, thought something like this could happen," he said afterwards.
Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena was also bathed in green and gold and ACDC's song TNT blared throughout the game for the team's Australia Day promotion.
