MORE: It’s not netball: Delly critics should learn the Australian way | Dellavedova keeps getting under opponents' skin
And with the elbow came whole lot of criticism from the Atlanta Hawks and the US media. The elbow was a turning point in the game, as Al Horford was the best player on the court at the time and Atlanta was holding a one point lead.
Dellavedova now has 3 perceived dirty plays in playoffs (Taj Gibson, Kyle Korver, Al Horford). Results: Korver injured. Gibson, Al ejected.
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) May 25, 2015
It brings to memory a similar incident in last year’s playoffs when rookie Kiwi big man, Steven Adams, got under Zach Randolph’s skin and found himself on the end of a frustrated punch. The incident saw Randolph miss the series decider and helped the OKC Thunder to advance to the next round. It also saw the Memphis Grizzlies and US media lambaste Adams for being a dirty player.
In light of this, we’ve gone through and found 12 incidents in recent years involving Aussies and a Kiwi.
BREAKING: Dwight Howard takes aim at Andrew Bogut in Game 4
Zach Randolph gets himself suspended for Game 7 in last year’s playoffs
Andrew Bogut scuffling DeAndre Jordan
Nick Young attacks Steven Adams with the elbow to the throat
Taj Gibson gets ejected for kicking Matthew Dellavedova
Andrew Bogut gets into it with Blake Griffin
Andrew Bogut gets into it with the entire Portland Trail Blazers team
Dwight Howard finishes his Laker career with an ejection after tussling with Aron Baynes
Vince Carter is ejected after lashing out at Steven Adams
Nate Robinson throws a punch at Steven Adams
Kyle Korver is injured in the scramble for a loose ball with Matthew Dellavedova
Serial instigator Matt Barnes gets into it with Aron Baynes
Now, what the hell is going to happen when Jarryd Hayne starts playing a 'contact' sport...
