Dellavedova does something that has never been seen in the basketball world after NBL Finals

There are moments in sports in which competition gets sets aside and compassion takes over. Australia’s NBL Final went to a fifth and decisive game give on Sunday, and it was the Illawarra Hawks who came out victorious.

Hawks take the NBL title

Despite the Hawks win, it was Melbourne United’s Matthew Dellavedova who was awarded the MVP in the post game ceremonies. The game was in Illawarra, and the fans weren’t happy with the decision to award the former Cleveland Cavalier the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

The home fans let their opinion be heard when “Delly” stepped to the stage once he was named as the MVP of the Finals. Dellavedova averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds and 6.2 assists in the five games but had a tough night in the decisive game five, going for just 5, 2, and 7 assists.

A distraught Dellavedova went to the stage, understandably upset after his team missed out on a chance to win the title, but did something that has maybe never been done in basketball history. He conceded the award to Hawks player Will Hickey who had a brilliant series.

Sportsmanship like never seen before

Hickey averaged 16, 6 and almost 5 assists a game and came showed up for his team when it mattered most. He put up 21, 10 and 8 assists in the fifth game to carry his team to the title that they hadn’t won in 24 years.

“Davo, this really belongs to you,” said Dellavedova with a chorus of boos and jeers, not at the Melbourne player, rather for the people who decided to name him the MVP. Hickey, seemed to not want to be recognized for the award, waving his hand as if to say there was no need for this incredible show of sportsmanship.

Delly took the award, came off the stage and handed the MVP trophy to the Hawks player. The crowd let a roar out once Delly handed over the trophy to the Hawks player, which only amplified the celebrations in Illawarra.

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