OKLAHOMA CITY — The NBA Finals are underway with a thrilling face-off between Eastern giants, the Indiana Pacers, and the Western powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder. But the spotlight shifts beyond the court as it showcases a notable Canadian presence, somewhat turning it into a Canada vs. Canada showdown in Game 1.
The series features four talented Canadian players, two of whom played pivotal roles in the opener. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, clashed head-on with Indiana Pacers’ Andrew Nembhard. Gilgeous-Alexander dazzled fans with a staggering 38-point performance, while Nembhard contributed significantly with 14 points, eight of which came when it mattered most, during the decisive fourth-quarter run that overturned a 15-point deficit to snag a one-point victory for Indiana.
Reflecting on the intense competition, Gilgeous-Alexander had high praises for Nembhard. “He’s a competitor. He’s a winner,” Gilgeous-Alexander remarked, highlighting Nembhard’s ability and spirit on both offense and defense. The two players share a rich history, having played together as youngsters and representing Canada at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
For Nembhard, stepping into the finals was both a dream and a test of nerves. “Walking onto the court was something you live for,” he said after the game. His excitement was palpable with the crowd’s energy, adding to the exhilarating atmosphere that amplified both pressure and performance.
Throughout Game 1, the duo wasn’t shy about showing each other what competition looks like, exchanging pushes and words that fueled their rivalry. “Nothing more than two guys wanting to win,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained, ensuring their exchanges were all in the spirit of competition.
Joining the Canadian contingent are Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort and Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin. Together, these four Canadians made history by combining for 72 points in the game—the highest number recorded by non-American players in any NBA Finals match. This feat shattered the previous record held by Canadian Jamal Murray in 2023.
“It’s amazing for our country,” Nembhard shared, recognizing the significance of their contributions to Canadian basketball on such a global platform. Their camaraderie extends off the court as well, with Thunder forward Chet Holmgren having shared the court at Gonzaga with Nembhard. “He’s my guy, great dude,” Holmgren acknowledges, though he remains focused on lending his support to his team during the finals.
In this epic battle, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle anticipates the high-stakes dynamic between Gilgeous-Alexander and Nembhard. “You try to make it hard,” Carlisle admitted, lauding Nembhard’s readiness to confront the challenge of going against Gilgeous-Alexander, someone he has known for years as both a teammate and a fellow Canadian. The familiarity adds depth to their showdown in the finals, but Carlisle reiterates the ultimate goal: matching wits with the league’s MVP.