BIO: Born and raised in Maryborough, Victoria, Dellavedova is the oldest of three children in his family and is a sixth-generation Italian Australian.

Dellavedova began playing basketball at the age of four. He attended Maryborough Regional College and played junior basketball for the Maryborough Blazers and played in under-12 and under-14 Bendigo Braves squads before being noticed by Victoria Country basketball coaches who elevated him to play in the State Basketball Championships.

Throughout his teenage years, he was selected for several Victorian state representative basketball sides and played alongside future Collingwood captain, Scott Pendlebury. Dellavedova received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2007. He spent three years year there and played for the program’s state league team (2007, 2008, 2009).

FAMILY: Dellavedova’s father, Mark, grew up playing Australian rules football and his mother, Leanne, played netball. Both of Dellavedova’s sisters, Yana and Ingrid, play basketball as well.

His wife Anna Schroeder played volleyball at Saint Mary’s College of California. His younger sister Yana played college basketball at Long Beach State University.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Matthew Dellavedova made his NBL debut with the Melbourne United at 31 years of age. He scored nine points in his first game.

After winning the 2021 NBL championship, Melbourne entered the new season without leading scorer Jock Landale (to San Antonio), starting point guard Mitch McCarron (to Adelaide) and import Scotty Hopson. Dean Vickerman retained Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, David Barlow and Shea Ili, welcomed Jack White back after recovering from a ruptured Achilles and added Brad Newley (via Sydney), Dion Prewster (via Wellington), Caleb Agada (via Hapoel Be’er Sheva) and Next Star Ariel Hukporti (via Lithuania).

Matthew Dellavedova (via Cleveland) returned to Australia after eight seasons in the NBA and signed a three-year deal with Melbourne, taking over the starting point guard role vacated by McCarron. “I am really excited to sign with Melbourne United and come back to the NBL,” he said.

The new point guard made his NBL debut at Qudos Bank Arena on December 5, finishing with 9 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Lual-Acuil Jr (12 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block) and Agada (11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) also reached double figures, but Jaylen Adams (15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led Sydney to a 79-74 win.

Dellavedova (10.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists across 30 games) provided Melbourne with physical defence, leadership and playmaking as United recovered from its 0-2 start by winning its next eight games. Melbourne closed December with three consecutive wins, went 5-1 during a January played entirely away from home and won four of five games in February to improve to 12-4 and take control of first place.

Dellavedova’s best scoring game came against Illawarra at the WIN Entertainment Centre on January 16, where he made seven three-pointers and finished with 33 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists as Melbourne defeated the Hawks 88-84 and collected its sixth consecutive win. White (14 points and 11 rebounds) and Agada (13 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 steals) supported him, while Justinian Jessup (18 points and 4 rebounds) led Illawarra. The performance was Dellavedova’s highest-scoring game across his NBA, NBL and college careers.

Dellavedova (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) made the tying corner three-pointer during a 21-6 finish against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on March 13 as United recovered to win 98-90. Ili (19 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Goulding (16 points and 7 rebounds) helped Melbourne remain on top of the ladder, while Mitch Creek (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Xavier Munford (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Phoenix.

Dellavedova (6 points and 3 assists) sprained his ankle during the opening two minutes against Adelaide at John Cain Arena on March 20 and briefly left the court before returning. Lual-Acuil Jr (15 points and 9 rebounds) and Newley (15 points and 4 rebounds) led Melbourne, while Daniel Johnson (18 points and 4 rebounds) was Adelaide’s leading scorer as United won 101-74.

After Callum Dalton suffered a season-ending ACL injury during training, Melbourne brought back Yudai Baba (via Texas Legends) for the remainder of the season, providing United with another defensive option ahead of the playoffs.

Lual-Acuil Jr (16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks across 30 games) led Melbourne in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots, finished third in league MVP voting, earned All-NBL First Team honours and was named United’s club MVP. Goulding (15.1 points across 28 games), Agada (12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 29 games), White (9.3 points and 7.1 rebounds across 26 games), Ili (8.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals across 31 games) and Hukporti (6.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 30 games) formed Melbourne’s main rotation. Dellavedova and Goulding were selected to the All-NBL Second Team, while Ili won the NBL Best Sixth Man award and received Melbourne’s Defensive Player of the Year and SHARE awards.

Dellavedova did not miss any games through injury, with his only absence coming in Melbourne’s final regular-season game at MyState Bank Arena on April 23 following a dental procedure. Agada (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Lual-Acuil Jr (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led United, but MiKyle McIntosh (20 points and 2 steals), Adams (19 points) and Josh Magette (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) helped Tasmania win 83-61 as Melbourne finished first with a 20-8 record.

Dellavedova returned as Melbourne opened the semifinals at John Cain Arena with a 74-63 win over Tasmania, finishing with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Agada (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Lual-Acuil Jr (15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks) led United, while Adams (16 points and 5 rebounds) and Jack McVeigh (15 points and 4 rebounds) were Tasmania’s leading scorers.

Game two moved to MyState Bank Arena, where Goulding (18 points), Agada (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Lual-Acuil Jr (13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks) led Melbourne, while Dellavedova (7 points and 3 assists) made one of four three-pointers. McVeigh (15 points), McIntosh (13 points) and Magette (12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals) helped Tasmania win 79-72 and force a deciding game.

Goulding injured his calf during warm-ups and was ruled out shortly before game three at John Cain Arena, leaving Ili (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), Lual-Acuil Jr (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and White (14 points and 15 rebounds) to lead Melbourne. Dellavedova (5 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists), Agada (8 points and 4 rebounds), White and Baba (6 points) combined to make one of 21 three-pointers, while United finished six of 29 from outside. Adams (30 points), McVeigh (16 points) and Magette (9 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) led Tasmania as the JackJumpers won 76-73.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2023/24
Melbourne won 11 of its final 14 games in NBL23 but still finished seventh at 15-13 and missed the postseason on percentage. Mason Peatling (to Illawarra), David Okwera (to Perth), Makuach Maluach (to Sydney), Isaac Humphries (to Adelaide), Marcus Lee (to Tasmania), Rayjon Tucker (to Venice), Lachlan Barker (to Tasmania) and David Barlow (retired) departed. Coach Dean Vickerman brought Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (via China) and Matthew Dellavedova (via Sacramento) back to Melbourne, while Luke Travers (via Perth), Ian Clark (via Adelaide), Tanner Krebs (via Brisbane), Flynn Cameron (via UC Riverside) and Kyle Bowen (via Saint Mary’s) joined the roster.

Dellavedova returned to United on a two-year deal after spending the previous season with the Sacramento Kings, reuniting with Goulding, Ili, Lual-Acuil Jr and Hukporti from the team that finished first in 2021/22 before losing to Tasmania in the semifinals.

“I want to come back and win a Championship here. It’s a great club that has a really strong culture and I’m happy to be back a part of it,” Dellavedova said.

A wrist injury to Lual-Acuil Jr before the season led to Rob Loe (via New Zealand) signing as an injury replacement, while Ariel Hukporti moved into the starting line-up.

Melbourne opened the season against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on September 28, where Dellavedova (17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) helped United defeat the Phoenix 82-67, with Travers (20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Loe (9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) providing support while Ben Ayre (17 points and 2 rebounds) led South East Melbourne.

Dellavedova (12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across 30 games) returned as Melbourne’s starting point guard and led the NBL in assists, controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for United’s deep collection of scorers. He suffered a concussion against Brisbane on October 15 and missed Melbourne’s next four games before being cleared to return.

Dellavedova’s best regular-season scoring game came against Perth at John Cain Arena on November 6, where he finished with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists as Melbourne lost 102-95 in overtime, with Lual-Acuil Jr (25 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Goulding (19 points) leading United while Cotton (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Perth’s top scorer. Dellavedova tied the game with a lay-up with 1.8 seconds remaining and appeared set to shoot a go-ahead free throw, but the foul called on Sarr (17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) was overturned following Perth’s challenge. The NBL later acknowledged Sarr should have been called for a hands foul that would have sent Dellavedova to the line before the Wildcats controlled overtime.

Melbourne closed the regular season against Illawarra at John Cain Arena on February 18, where Dellavedova (17 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) made all three of his three-point attempts as United defeated the Hawks 92-87, with Goulding (19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Ian Clark (13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals) providing support while Justin Robinson (14 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Illawarra. Melbourne finished first with a 20-8 record, three wins clear of the competition.

Goulding (16.9 points across 36 games) remained United’s leading scorer, with Lual-Acuil Jr (14.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 29 games), Ian Clark (13.6 points across 30 games), Travers (12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 33 games) and Ili (10.7 points and 3.7 assists across 34 games) surrounding Dellavedova in the main rotation. Hukporti (7.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 36 games), Loe (5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across 8 games) and Krebs (5.3 points across 36 games) provided further depth. Dellavedova won Melbourne’s player-voted SHARE Award, Goulding finished second in MVP voting, earned All-NBL First Team honours and won the club MVP, Lual-Acuil Jr was named to the All-NBL Second Team, Ili received Defensive Player of the Year, Ian Clark won Best Sixth Man and Vickerman was named Coach of the Year.

Melbourne opened the semifinals at John Cain Arena on March 7, where Dellavedova produced his best game of the season with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals as United recovered from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Illawarra 115-106 in overtime. Travers (24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Goulding (18 points and 3 rebounds) helped complete the comeback, while Froling (26 points and 5 rebounds), Gary Clark (22 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Harvey (15 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led the Hawks.

Game two moved to WIN Entertainment Centre, where Dellavedova (20 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals), Lual-Acuil Jr (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block) and Ian Clark (17 points and 3 rebounds) led Melbourne. Gary Clark (31 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists), Harvey (23 points and 2 steals), Froling (19 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Hickey (18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) answered for Illawarra, with Hickey’s putback at the regulation buzzer forcing overtime before the Hawks won 113-108.

The series returned to John Cain Arena for game three, where Dellavedova (11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Ili (22 points and 3 rebounds) and Travers (15 points and 11 rebounds) led Melbourne to a 100-94 win. Froling (23 points and 4 rebounds), Robinson (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Gary Clark (14 points and 6 rebounds) kept Illawarra close before United advanced to the Grand Final series.

The Grand Final series opened at John Cain Arena, where Dellavedova (11 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists), Goulding (22 points and 4 rebounds), Lual-Acuil Jr (20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Ian Clark (18 points and 6 rebounds) led Melbourne to a 104-81 win. Drmic (18 points), Doyle (16 points and 8 rebounds) and McVeigh (13 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) were Tasmania’s best.

Game two moved to MyState Bank Arena, where Dellavedova (6 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal), Ili (20 points and 2 rebounds) and Goulding (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) helped Melbourne build a 15-point third-quarter lead. McVeigh (16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), Doyle (13 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Crawford (13 points and 4 assists) led Tasmania’s comeback before the JackJumpers won 82-77 and levelled the series.

Game three returned to Melbourne, where Dellavedova (21 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Goulding (17 points and 4 rebounds) and Travers (14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks) led United. McVeigh (18 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Deng (15 points and 1 block) and Doyle (14 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) kept Tasmania close before Doyle saved a deflected inbound pass and McVeigh made a shot from near half-court over Dellavedova at the buzzer, giving the JackJumpers a 93-91 win and handing Melbourne consecutive losses for the first time that season.

Game four remained at MyState Bank Arena, where Dellavedova (15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) made the go-ahead lay-up with 7.2 seconds remaining. Ian Clark (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block), Travers (17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) and Goulding (17 points) helped Melbourne win 88-86, while McVeigh (28 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals), Doyle (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Crawford (14 points) led Tasmania.

The deciding game returned to John Cain Arena, where Crawford (32 points and 6 rebounds) scored 19 points during the opening quarter and received support from McVeigh (14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block), Magnay (11 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Doyle (11 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) as Tasmania won 83-81 and secured its first championship. Lual-Acuil Jr (14 points and 6 rebounds), Travers (13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks), Goulding (13 points, 2 steals, and 1 block), Ili (11 points and 4 rebounds) and Dellavedova (13 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists) all reached double figures for United, with McVeigh named Grand Final MVP. After Goulding made an off-balance three-pointer and Melbourne stole the ensuing inbound pass, Dellavedova’s half-court attempt hit the backboard and missed.

2024/25
Melbourne entered NBL25 needing to reshape the frontcourt and wing rotation after Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (to China), Luke Travers (to Cleveland Cavaliers), Ariel Hukporti (to New York Knicks), and Brad Newley (retired) all exited the side that had come within one win of a championship the year prior.

Key additions included Jack White (via Denver Nuggets) returning to replace Travers’ versatility, while import Marcus Lee (via Tasmania) arrived to help cover the loss of Lual-Acuil’s interior presence and rim protection.

Coach Dean Vickerman leaned on the returning core of Chris Goulding, Matthew Dellavedova, Shea Ili, Ian Clark, Robert Loe, Flynn Cameron, Tanner Krebs, and Kyle Bowen as Melbourne pushed to remain a top-two team again.

Matthew Dellavedova (10.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists) remained Melbourne’s primary organiser, consistently setting the table in the half-court and controlling tempo as United leaned on their experienced backcourt to generate quality looks.

With Chris Goulding as the key perimeter scoring threat and Shea Ili applying constant pressure defensively, Dellavedova’s ability to steady possessions and keep the offence flowing remained central to how Melbourne played across the season.

United opened their campaign at HoopsFest with a win over Tasmania (88–79) as Matthew Dellavedova (21 points) led the scoring, Shea Ili (14 points) and Jack White (14 points, and 7 rebounds) set the tone early, and Milton Doyle (23 points) paced the JackJumpers in defeat.

That opening result helped launch an early-season run where Melbourne banked wins quickly and again established themselves as a top-two contender.

As the first half unfolded, Dellavedova’s control in the backcourt coincided with several statement wins, including a road result in Perth where Ian Clark (25 points) topped the scoring, and a dominant home performance against Cairns where Flynn Cameron (18 points) paced a blowout victory (106–63).

Against South East Melbourne, Matthew Dellavedova (18 points, and 10 assists) delivered a strong all-round performance as United’s offence clicked into rhythm around his tempo and decision-making.

Chris Goulding delivered one of the defining performances of the season against Perth, exploding for 46 points in a high-octane win (106–97), as Melbourne’s offence stayed on the front foot through Dellavedova’s steadying influence across long stretches of the game.

United then posted a major road result in Brisbane (120–103) where Robert Loe (30 points) powered the offence and Jack White (17 points, and 17 rebounds) dominated the glass, with Matthew Dellavedova (18 points, and 7 assists) playing a key role in keeping Melbourne’s attack organised on the road.

Matthew Dellavedova (16 points, and 9 assists) later controlled the tempo against Tasmania as Melbourne continued to build wins through the middle portion of the schedule.

Across the season, Chris Goulding (18.4 points, and 2 rebounds) led Melbourne offensively, while Jack White (13.8 points, and 9.4 rebounds), Shea Ili (11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists), Ian Clark (12.7 points), and Robert Loe (10 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2 assists) gave United a balanced attack built around Dellavedova’s organisation and playmaking.

After Game 5 of the Championship Series, Matthew Dellavedova was voted Championship Series MVP despite Melbourne finishing NBL25 runners-up after dropping the series 3–2.

Upon receiving the award, Dellavedova said he felt it deserved to be Will “Davo” Hickey’s, and he immediately handed it to Hickey after being presented with it.

In a series where the margins were tight throughout, the gesture became a defining post-game moment after the Championship Series concluded.

SYDNEY KINGS
2025/26
After finishing fifth with a 16-13 record and losing 95-88 to Adelaide in the play-in qualifier, Sydney entered Brian Goorjian’s second season back as coach looking to rebuild its backcourt. Alex Toohey (to Golden State), Izayah Le’Afa (to New Zealand), Jaylen Adams (to Brisbane) and Cameron Oliver (not retained) departed, while Goorjian recruited Matthew Dellavedova (via Melbourne), Kendric Davis (via Adelaide) and Tim Soares (via Koshigaya), with Makuach Maluach re-signing for another season.

The 34-year-old joined Sydney on a three-year deal after consecutive Championship Series losses with Melbourne, having won the Larry Sengstock Medal despite United losing the 2025 deciding game against Illawarra. Goorjian identified him as the floor general and on-court voice the Kings had lacked, declaring, “It’s going to be Delly’s team … everything’s going to run through him.” The opportunity to reunite with Goorjian and work alongside Andrew Bogut and Luc Longley also supported his goal of playing at the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

Sydney opened the season against Cairns at Qudos Bank Arena on September 28, where Dellavedova (10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) filled the box score in his Kings debut, but the Taipans won 77-74. Davis (21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) and Soares (12 points and 6 rebounds) led Sydney, while Jack McVeigh (24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) was Cairns’ best.

Dellavedova (8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists) shared the ball-handling duties with Davis and provided the experience, communication and defensive pressure Goorjian wanted as Sydney worked through a 3-5 start.

Returning to John Cain Arena on November 3, Dellavedova (12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) made four three-pointers and helped Sydney end Melbourne’s 9-0 start with a 95-92 win. Davis (34 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Kuol (17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) led the Kings, while Tyson Walker (22 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists) was Melbourne’s best.

An infection then required Dellavedova to be hospitalised and placed on an IV drip, keeping him out for more than a month before he returned to Sydney’s rotation in December.

Dellavedova’s best scoring game came at Qudos Bank Arena on January 5, where he shot 7-of-8 from the field and finished with 20 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and 1 steal, but South East Melbourne defeated Sydney 124-117 in the highest-scoring game of the season. Davis (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Maluach (15 points and 6 rebounds) led the Kings, while Nathan Sobey (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) was the Phoenix’s best.

Another head knock in January sidelined Dellavedova for three games before he cleared concussion protocols and returned late in the month. Lachlan Dent (via Karlsruhe) joined for the remainder of the season after Keli Leaupepe’s pre-season ACL injury, while NBA veteran Torrey Craig (via Boston) was signed in January as an injury replacement.

Davis (25.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists) led Sydney in scoring and assists, finished runner-up for league MVP and received the club’s MVP award, while Xavier Cooks (13.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks), Craig (12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds) and Soares (11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds) gave the Kings size and experience around their backcourt.

Kouat Noi (10 points and 3.7 rebounds), Jaylin Galloway (9.7 points and 3 rebounds), Maluach (8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds), Kuol (6.7 points and 4.2 rebounds) and Tyler Robertson (6 points) completed Sydney’s rotation. Kuol received the Defensive Player award before suffering a season-ending ACL injury, Dellavedova won the Michael Wrublewski Coaches’ Award, Robertson was named Player’s Player and Maluach received the Members’ Award, while Goorjian was named NBL Coach of the Year.

Sydney closed the regular season in Brisbane on February 20, where Dellavedova (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) helped the Kings defeat the Bullets 117-77, with Davis (31 points and 8 assists) and Maluach (15 points and 3 rebounds) leading Sydney, while Hunter Maldonado (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) was Brisbane’s best. The Kings collected their eleventh consecutive win and secured first place with a 24-9 record.

Sydney opened its semifinal series against Perth at Qudos Bank Arena with a 105-104 win, where Dellavedova (11 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists) supported Davis (35 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Craig (20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists), while Kristian Doolittle (31 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and David Duke Jr (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) led Perth.

Game two moved to RAC Arena, where Dellavedova (11 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Davis (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists), Maluach (23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Craig (12 points and 7 rebounds) led Sydney to an 89-75 win. Ben Henshall (20 points and 6 rebounds) and Doolittle (15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Perth’s best as the Kings completed the sweep and advanced to the Championship Series.

The Championship Series opened at Qudos Bank Arena, where Dellavedova (2 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) helped Sydney defeat Adelaide 112-68. Davis (25 points and 7 assists) and Soares (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Kings, while Isaac White (11 points) and Bryce Cotton (10 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) were Adelaide’s best.

Game two moved to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where Dellavedova (9 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals), Davis (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals), Cooks (18 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Craig (17 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Sydney, but Cotton (28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Flynn Cameron (17 points and 5 rebounds) carried Adelaide to a 91-89 win.

Sydney regained control in game three at Qudos Bank Arena, with Dellavedova (3 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) directing the offence and helping limit Cotton while Davis (34 points and 15 assists), Cooks (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) and Galloway (17 points and 2 steals) led the Kings to a 106-93 win. John Jenkins (22 points), Zylan Cheatham (17 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Cotton (15 points and 12 assists) were Adelaide’s best.

Adelaide forced a deciding game with a 92-91 victory at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where Dellavedova (4 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal), Davis (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists), Galloway (20 points) and Cooks (16 points and 3 blocks) led Sydney. Cheatham (23 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Cotton (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists) and Dejan Vasiljevic (19 points and 4 rebounds) kept the 36ers’ season alive.

Game five returned to Qudos Bank Arena, where Dellavedova (11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) made three three-pointers as Sydney defeated Adelaide 113-101 in overtime in front of 18,589 fans. Davis (35 points and 14 assists), Soares (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Cooks (19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) led the Kings, while Cotton (35 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Cheatham (15 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Nick Rakocevic (11 points and 13 rebounds) led Adelaide. Soares’ putback tied the game before Sydney outscored Adelaide 18-6 in overtime, delivering the Kings their sixth championship, Dellavedova his first NBL title and Goorjian his seventh. Davis was awarded the Larry Sengstock Medal as Championship Series MVP after averaging 27.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 10.4 assists across the five games.

Matthew Dellavedova currently plays for the Sydney Kings and has played 121 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists since entering the league in 2021.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Sydney Kings – 3 Year Deal (2025-28)

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 35th in assists per game.