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NBA: Dellavedova leads Cavaliers over Bulls, Eastern Conference Final next

Matthew Dellavedova is one of a number of Aussies playing a major role for their teams in the NBA. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
15th May, 2015
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Yes, that headline is right. Australian Matthew Dellavedova has hit a playoff-high 19 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers to lead the Ohio side to a Game 6 win over the Chicago Bulls, and take the series 4-2.

Kyrie Irving suffered a knee injury for the Cavs mid-way through the game, playing just 12 minutes.

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Cavs Reserve Point Guard Dellavedova stepped up, hitting crucial shots to put the game out of reach for the Bulls early in the fourth quarter. He was 7 for 10 from the field, including three 3 pointers.

LeBron James’ struggles with his jumpshot continued, hitting just 7-23 from the field, although he was just one rebound off a triple-double on the night, with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists before turning over to the bench in garbage time.

Chicago struggled with offence. Jimmy Butler shot 8 from 22 for 20 points, while Derrick Rose shot 7 from 16 for 14 points.

The Bulls couldn’t make a run of points to bridge the gap to the Cavs and the game slipped away.

Chicago coach Tom Thibedeau’s coaching career may be in trouble. Despite a winning record, the Bulls can’t get past LeBron’s teams, who heads to his fifth consecutive Eastern Conference Final.

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LeBron James acknowledged the offensive troubles of himself and the team, but noted the defensive

James paid tribute to Dellavedova in a post-match interview, noting his work ethic and toughness. James mentioned that his Australian teammate played ‘rugby’ in Australia which contributes to his ‘tough as nails’ style.

(Delly grew up in country WA playing Australian Rules – we think James meant Aussie Rules!)

The Cavaliers will face either the Atlanta Hawks or the Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference Final, with the Hawks current 3-2 leaders in that series.

The winner of the ECF will face either the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, or LA Clippers, with the Warriors currently leading over the Grizzlies, and the Clippers and Rockets taking the court later today.

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