Four Canadians Score Record 72 Points NBA Finals Game 1

The 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder has featured a notable presence of Canadian players, with four Canadians—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Nembhard, Lu Dort, and Bennedict Mathurin—making significant impacts on the court. Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA MVP, scored 38 points in Game 1, while Nembhard contributed 14 points, including eight crucial points in the fourth quarter to help the Pacers overcome a 15-point deficit and secure a one-point victory. Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Nembhard, longtime teammates on Canada's national team, have demonstrated intense but respectful competitiveness, underscoring the high stakes of the Finals. The combined 72 points scored by the Canadian players in Game 1 set a new record for points by players from any country other than the U.S. in an NBA Finals game, highlighting the growing influence of Canadian talent in the league. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the pressure and significance of the moment and expressed determination to maintain his aggressive playstyle in the upcoming games. The series not only showcases top-level basketball competition but also symbolizes a proud moment for Canadian basketball on the global stage.