Matthew Dellavedova Injury: Updates on Cavaliers Guard's Cramps
Matthew Dellavedova's heroic Game 3 NBA Finals performance did not come without cost, as the Cleveland Cavaliers guard is dealing with severe cramping. He was taken to the hospital and was released Wednesday afternoon. The point guard is expected to play in Game 4.
Continue for updates.
Dellavedova to Play in Game 4
Thursday, June 11
"Matthew Dellavedova says he's feeling fully recovered from dehydration - will cut out his usual pregame cup of black coffee tonight, though," Rachel Nichols of CNN reported.
On June 10, Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports reported Dellavedova is suffering from fatigue, but will play in Game 4, according to head coach David Blatt. Earlier in the day, Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick reported that the point guard was taking part in the team's practice.
ESPN's Marc Stein noted Dellavedova was hospitalized and treated for dehydration and severe cramping following Game 3.
"That's probably the tiredest I’ve been. I’m feeling good now, though. It’s good we don’t have to play back-to-backs," Dellavedova said, via CBS Sports NBA.
Dellavedova scored a season-high 20 points and was the Cavaliers' second-best player on the court most of the night. The former undrafted free agent has been a revelation in these Finals, taking over for an injured Kyrie Irving to hound Stephen Curry on defense and provide an occasional spark on the other end. ESPN Stats & Info noted Dellavedova and LeBron James assisted on or scored 78 of Cleveland's 96 points in the Game 3 triumph.
Blatt praised his point guard, per Sean Deveney of Sporting News:
"He's had some games like this. I just think he plays as hard as he can every day. He plays right. He's not afraid, he plays courageously. And everybody on this team has his back. So it's not an issue of confidence. He's going to give you whatever he has, and you can't ask for any more than that.
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If for some reason Dellavedova is unable to go, J.R. Smith would likely step into the starting lineup. Or who knows, maybe the Cavs will bring back Dajuan Wagner. Anything's possible given their injury issues at this point.
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