Dellavedova ready for ‘tough, competitive’ Finals series

Melbourne United star Mathew Dellavedova says he is ready for whatever comes his way ahead of his first taste of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Finals on Thursday night.

Speaking to media after the team’s training session on Tuesday afternoon, the NBA Championship-winning point guard says he is expecting another gritty performance from the Tasmania JackJumpers.

“I know it’s going to be tough, it’s going to be competitive, they’re a team that plays really hard and gets after the offensive boards so we’re going to have to be ready to box out and scrap on the boards. 

“We know what they’re capable of. We know where they’ve hurt us previously. We’re going to have to be focussed and locked in ready to go to get the win come Thursday.”

Dellavedova missed United’s last game against the JJs due to a dental procedure, but has already returned to the practice floor and is expected to play in Thursday night’s Game One.

Head Coach Dean Vickerman is thrilled to have Delly back in the lineup, and believes his side can talk a lot of things away from Saturday’s loss to Tassie, despite the lopsided final score.

“I think any time you get to play a team late season and they’re going for it you get to see how they want to attack you, how they want to defend you, how some people can deal with foul trouble or can’t they, and where they go to in key moments.”

Help your side stand UNITED AGAINST TASMANIA on Thursday night from 7:30pm at John Cain Arena. Tickets are on sale now!