Sections of the US media and the Atlanta Hawks continue to question Dellavedova’s playing style after the Cleveland Cavaliers guard was involved in an on-court incident with Al Horford that resulted in the Hawks’ star being ejected.

Maryborough-raised Dellavedova had previously tangled in the play-offs with Chicago’s Taj Gibson and Atlanta’s Kyle Korver.

Dellavedova has been labelled by some as a “dirty player”, but five-time Olympian Gaze said those remarks were “outrageous”.

“No, he’s not doing it deliberately, that’s just stupidity,” Gaze of Dellavedova on SEN radio.

“It was an outrageous reaction and I couldn’t believe the commentary at the time.

“You know when you have something in your hand at the time and you want to smash the television.”

Gaze said Dellavedova’s desperation was one of the hallmarks of his game.

“This team will play off for a championship but he is fighting for survival, still, to stay in this league – he’s diving on loose balls,” explained Gaze.

“He’s earned his way through hard work, grit and determination – he’s had to scratch his way to get into the NBA.

“That’s why coaches love him, that’s why LeBron (James) loves him because he goes that extra yard and he’s not worried about getting hurt.”

The Cavs lead the best of seven eastern conference finals series 3-0 with game four to be played on Wednesday morning AEST.

Meanwhile, the western conference finals series remains alive after the Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 128-115 in game four. 

The Rockets went into game four trailing 3-0 in the series, but staved off elimination on the back of 45 points from star guard James Harden.

Warriors’ star Stephen Curry left the game in the second quarter when he tumbled over the top of Rockets’ forward Trevor Ariza and crashed to the floor.

 Golden State’s Australian centre Andrew Bogut, hit in the face by a Dwight Howard forearm, went scoreless with eight rebounds and four assists.