Matthew Dellavedova

Matthew Dellavedova earned plenty of praise from teammates, including LeBron James, on Thursday night

(Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer)

CHICAGO -- A number of players around the NBA have a specific pregame ritual. It could be a shower before every game like J.R. Smith. It could be writing a phrase on the side of a sneaker like Kyrie Irving when he penned "Whiplash" as an ode to the popular film while he continues to strive for greatness. Or it could be as simple as listening to a specific song.

Then there's Matthew Dellavedova, who oddly chugs a cup of black coffee before games, helping him boost the often-criticized second unit.

But on Thursday night, with Kyrie Irving leaving the game at the 9:47 mark of the second quarter after re-aggravating a left knee injury, one cup of joe wasn't going to do the trick.

"Andy (Varejao) grabbed me an extra coffee at halftime," Dellavedova said after playing the final 24 minutes. "Just go out and play. That's about it."

As the saying goes, coffee is for closers, and Dellavedova helped send the Bulls to an uncertain future, scoring 16 of his team-high 19 points in the second half.

"They put so much attention on Bron and you know he's going to find you when you're open," Dellavedova said of LeBron James. "Obviously Kyrie was out for the second half so I knew I was going to be out there. It's easy to just let shots go when your teammates have that much confidence in you."

It was a modest response, something unexpected considering who it came from. After all, by the time the plucky Australian got to the podium, sharing the stage with James and Tristan Thompson, Dellavedova was wearing a green zip-up hoodie and his hair was a mess -- quite a difference from the two well-dressed guys flanking him. But that's Delly.

There's nothing flashy about him and he won't make too many highlight packages. He just works hard, keeps to himself and pours his energy out on the court.

"I don't think it's a responsibility, just a big opportunity, so you want to make the most of the opportunities that come and we've obviously got a great opportunity here and we're trying to make the most of it," Dellavedova said.

That's what he's always done. Coming from Australia, he was the 73rd ranked shooting guard for the 2008-09 season, according to ESPN.com recruiting. He had interest from five schools before choosing St. Mary's where he became the school's all-time leader in scoring, assists, games played, free throw percentage and three-point shots. Despite his resume, Dellavedova went undrafted and had to fight for his NBA spot. He got an opportunity to showcase his talents during summer league and training camp and the Cavs head coach at the time, Mike Brown, couldn't keep him off the roster.

A few years later, here he is. All the extra hours in the gym have paid off, culminating in the memorable Game 6 performance.

"For Delly to come in under extreme circumstances and do what he did tonight, leading our team in scoring, it was just his impact," James said with a smile. "Obviously we know he made shots, but what he did defensively picking up a big charge on D-Rose, just trying to create havoc defensively (was huge)."

Being at the postgame podium. Leading the team in scoring in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Playing 34 minutes in a closeout game. Earning the primary backup point guard spot. None of it looked likely two years ago, let alone four months ago.

It was early January when Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin mentioned publicly his desire to find point guard help. The team explored trades and free agent options before coming up empty.

"Yeah, I remember that," Dellavedova said after scoring a season-high point total. "You know, I guess I wasn't playing as well as I would have liked, helping the team. We had a lot of guys in and out of the lineup and then the trade happened. But I was always confident that I could be the backup point guard for this team and perform that role."

Cavs head coach David Blatt has been in his corner all season. Oftentimes criticized for when and how long Delly's been on the court, Blatt never stopped believing.

"It is one of those things like talking to one of your kids," Blatt said. "You are talking about character and what it means. That's what you say about Matthew. He embodies it all. He was an undrafted kid, and not a lot thought he would be in the league."

Character and effort can only get a player so far. When the number gets called, it's time to produce. Delly's number was called for 24 straight minutes in the second half and he provided a much-needed pick-me-up with Irving transforming into a cheerleader.

"That's my Aussie brother," Irving said. "We do a lot of talking, a lot of watching film and breaking down other point guards. Obviously when he comes in he wants to sustain the same level I do when I'm out there. Just a lot of talking to him, encouraging him. He's an incredible competitor. Man, I'm just so happy for him. Without his effort tonight this win probably wouldn't happen."

Irving admitted after the game that he thought about going back in, but it wasn't necessary.

"I've been telling people Delly is the man," Iman Shumpert said, referencing the one line about Dellavedova from his Cavs playoff anthem. "He's one of those guys who comes to the gym early and leaves the gym late. You see him put the work in all the time. Delly is always ready and he's always positive and he's always clapping, making sure everybody is OK, making sure everybody is smiling. You got to see a little bit of Delly tonight."

And so did the Bulls, too much for their liking. The feisty player known for his hustle and grit pestered Rose on the defensive end, even picking him up full court at times. During this hard-fought series, Dellavedova was shoved, kicked and booed. He just kept fighting with the same tenacity that helped him become Cleveland's backup point guard and the Game 6 hero.

"I don't really hear that," he said of the boos from the United Center crowd. "Well, I mean, I've played at Gonzaga & BYU, and it's definitely a lot louder, the boos there."

Those heckles dissipated late in the fourth quarter as the crowd bolted to the exits early. Then as the clock hit zero, it was only well-earned praise that he heard.

The uncertainty. The criticism. The slow start to the season. None of it mattered. The last time the Cavs were in Chicago the moment and stage belonged to James. Not Thursday. James was forced to share it.

Fueled by a second cup of coffee at halftime, it was Delly's night. He earned every sip.

"This guy right here he's not the most athletic, fastest, greatest shooter in our league, I'd put him out there with anybody," James said.