If you thought Matthew Dellavedova was causing a frenzy in Cleveland, wait until you hear what his hometown of Maryborough, Victoria is doing for the pesky Cavaliers guard.
The small Australian town (population: 7,630) is set to name its basketball arena the Dellavedova Dome, according to a high ranking town member.
"That's where Matt Dellavedova learned his craft and the Maryborough Basketball Association have suggested that the stadium, which is a two-court stadium, ought to be renamed after Matthew," Central Goldfield Shire Council CEO Mark Johnson told Australian radio station 3AW.
"He's certainly put Maryborough on the world map," Johnson said, adding that local children are skipping school to watch Dellavedova and the Cavs take on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
"People are loving the ride," he said.
Dellavedova, an undrafted senior out of St. Mary's in 2013, had already carved out a reputation as a hard-nosed defensive guard after backing up All-Star Kyrie Irving as a rookie last season.
But his name has entered folklore status over the last two games against the Warriors, as Dellavedova has started in the injured Irving's place, remained glued to MVP Stephen Curry on the defensive end, and been the Cavs' second-leading scorer in the team's first two Finals wins in franchise history.
With 20 points and four assists in Tuesday's Game 3 victory, Dellavedova and LeBron James combined to produce 78 of Cleveland's 96 points.
Should LeBron and Co. secure the two additional wins required to capture the most unlikeliest of titles, Dellavedova will certainly go down as the most improbable running mate in Finals history.
- With h/t to CBS Sports
