Matthew Dellavedova’s spew in the Gong evokes memories of his legendary efforts on star Steph Curry

Matthew Dellavedova still found the strength to lead Melbourne United to victory as his body surrendered. It’s why when the Boomers legend says he’s eyeing the LA Olympics, no one can write him off.

Matthew Dellavedova has confirmed he is targeting a fourth Olympics in 2028 as he continues to take his body and mind beyond a normal human’s limits in pursuit of an elusive NBL championship.

While most near-35-year-old athletes are preparing to fade into the sunset, Dellavedova is a day removed from pushing himself so hard in game three of the NBL grand final he was forced to vomit as his exhausted body surrendered after the win over Illawarra.

Delly’s innate ability to do the dirty work — and do it better and longer than anyone else on the court — is why he cannot be ruled out for LA, even if he’ll be pushing 40 by then.

His desire to lift the NBL trophy was written all over Sunday’s dominant double-double (16 points, 11 assists), which buried the Hawks on their home court.

The NBA title-winner etched his name in the record books as the first player in NBL championship history to record 11 assists and 0 turnovers.

Matthew Dellavedova has a habit of pushing his mind and body to its limit — he once ended up in hospital after guarding Steph Curry. Picture: Getty Images

Dellavedova’s post-game spew in the ‘Gong evoked memories of his iconic 2016 effort guarding Steph Curry in game three of the 2016 NBA Finals between Cleveland and Golden State.

The boy from Maryborough in regional Victoria pushed himself so hard chasing Curry that Cavs doctors had to send him to hospital on a stretcher to go on an IV drip because he was suffering from severe dehydration and cramping.

The ageless Dellavedova said he wants to play for the Boomers in LA, declared he is fitter than he’s ever been and still has a “point to prove” as he approaches his 35th birthday this September.

“That (LA Games) has been the goal from the start and I definitely feel like that is achievable but, for now, I’m just focused on this series,” Dellavedova told Code Sports.

Matthew Dellavedova still has a steely focus on wearing the green and gold again at the 2028 Olympics. Picture: Adam Head

Dellavedova is aiming to collect his first professional title since 2016, when he won the NBA championship alongside the legendary LeBron James.

The veteran guard credits his health regimen of steak, sunshine and stretching for helping him perform at his peak throughout the grand final series.

He says he is physically feeling the best he has in years and, like a fine wine, he believes he is getting better with age.

“Definitely — I still feel like I have a lot to prove and I feel like I’ve got a long way to go (in my career),” he said.

“I feel great and I’ve put in a lot of work on my body my whole life, but I’ve definitely found some things that have worked in the last few years.

“The steak, oysters, sunshine, massage and treatment from our physios, the weights stuff we’re doing.

“All of that and now is the time where it pays off and I still feel like I’m getting better and I feel like I can still do more.

“I feel strong, quick and it helps with my recovery as well.”

Dellavedova is highly motivated to win the NBL championship after the heartbreak of last year’s grand final series loss to Tasmania.

He knows United are just 40 minutes away from the title, but he is refusing to look too far ahead.

“There is a lot of motivation but, right now, I’m just focused on adjustments and what we need to do for next game,” he said.

“I’m not thinking of big picture. It’s just what we need to do to get a win.

“Everyone locked in on the game plan, staying level but also making sure we are competing hard to get those rebounds and 50-50 balls and then making sure we execute down the stretch.”

It’s a good thing Dellavedova’s not thinking beyond Wednesday because he has a big off-season ahead, given he’s out-of-contract and a number of teams are set to enter the Delly sweepstakes.

But, if he leads Melbourne to a title and wins the grand final MVP, will United really let their veteran star wear another jersey?

Matthew Dellavedova is one of the 12 immortal Aussies who won the nation’s first major men’s basketball medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Picture: Adam Head

New Boomers head coach Adam Caporn isn’t surprised to see Dellavedova dominate the NBL’s championship series.

Caporn has watched Delly repeatedly deliver in the green and gold and it’s why the iconic Boomer will remain under consideration for LA.

“If there’s one thing I know about Matthew Dellavedova, you can never count him out,” Caporn told Code Sports.

“Delly has always risen to the occasion when it matters most.

“We’ve seen it in college, the NBA, with the Boomers and in the NBL. He’s a winner, fuelled by an unrelenting will that inspires everyone around him.

“His relentless drive to win is reflected in his daily commitment and professionalism.

“With intelligence and determination, he prepares with purpose — traits that have allowed him, as a veteran, to maintain an elite level of play and lead his team to the brink of another championship.”

Matthew Dellavedova produced a masterclass against the Hawks. Picture: Melbourne United Media

United big man Marcus Lee says Dellavedova’s drive to win an NBL title is ingrained in every move the champion guard makes, on-and-off the court.

“He 100 per cent wants this (championship),” Lee said.

“You can see it in his work ethic, you can see it in his everyday life, you can see it in the game and you can see it in his eyes.

“He is determined and is doing whatever it takes and he has instilled that in everybody.

“The good thing about Delly is that he is ready at all points in time.

“He is great at doing the same thing every day and getting his preparation right for each game and practice.

“Honestly, it has been trickling down to our younger players. They are seeing how he prepares and it is really bringing up a good next generation.”

Originally published as Matthew Dellavedova’s spew in the Gong evokes memories of his legendary efforts on star Steph Curry