Overview:
Indiana Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s Luguentz Dort are tied 1-1 within the first NBA finals that includes two opponents of Haitian descent. Each gamers have made vital contributions within the finals thus far, with Dort hitting probably the most three-pointers in Recreation 1 and Mathurin scoring factors off the bench for Indiana in Recreation 2.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s defensive ace Luguentz “Lu” Dort and Indiana Pacers’ rising scorer Bennedict “Ben” Mathurin are headlining a historic NBA Finals—the primary that includes two gamers of Haitian descent on opposing groups. After two video games, the sequence is tied 1-1, and each athletes are making distinct, beneficial contributions that highlight the rising affect of Haitian-descended gamers within the league.
Dort, a 2025 NBA All-Defensive First Workforce choice, has been Oklahoma’s defensive engine all through the postseason. He confirmed flashes of his offensive prowess in Recreation 1, scoring 15 factors with 5 three-pointers and intercepting 4 steals, regardless of the Thunder’s slender 111-110 loss. In Recreation 2, though he solely scored three factors, Dort’s relentless defensive strain helped OKC dominate Indiana 123-107 to even the sequence.
In the meantime, Mathurin—simply 22 and coming off the bench—was the Pacers’ main bench scorer in Recreation 2, tallying 14 factors in 22 minutes. The 2022 sixth total decide added power and effectivity, exhibiting he’s prepared for prime time. Although quieter in Recreation 1 with simply 5 factors, Mathurin’s clutch three and a chase-down block on Jalen Williams hinted at his upside.
Haitians throughout the globe have taken to social media to have fun the illustration. From Montréal, the place each gamers have been born to Haitian dad and mom, to Miami and Port-au-Prince, followers are watching with delight. Many have reacted on social media.
On this historic NBA Finals matchup that includes two Haitian-Canadian gamers on opposing groups, Dort and Mathurin are each leaving their mark. Because the sequence stands tied at 1-1, their performances have elevated visibility for Haitian expertise in world basketball. With Haiti’s challenges dominating headlines—violence, political instability and a scarcity of institutional help—this second serves as a shiny spot for a diaspora that not often sees itself on the game’s largest stage.
His title is Dort, French for sleep, however don’t sleep on him
Although not a significant scorer in Recreation 2, Dort’s presence was pivotal. He performed robust, bodily protection—drawing criticism for his depth—however restricted Indiana’s offensive choices. In Recreation 1, his efficiency was much more full: 15 factors, 5 threes, 4 steals and a memorable block on Aaron Nesmith within the ultimate two minutes.
One in every of his most spectacular performs got here when he trailed Tyrese Haliburton, stripped the ball clear, then popped out to the nook and drained a three-pointer off his personal steal. He completed 5-for-9 from past the arc and didn’t commit a turnover in 36 minutes—a uncommon effectivity in a recreation the place OKC misplaced the ball 24 occasions.
Mathurin flashes maturity, wants extra minutes
Mathurin’s efficiency in Recreation 2 confirmed why he was a prime decide. He shot 4-for-7 and nailed vital buckets, including a much-needed scoring punch off the bench for the Pacers. In Recreation 1, he had 5 factors, together with a giant three throughout Indiana’s second-half rally and a spotlight block.
The rising Haitian-Canadian star additionally made an enormous block within the third quarter, leaping excessive to swat the ball from Thunder’s Jalen Williams and deny him a dunk.
Like Dort, Mathurin excelled even when his group was dropping. He impressively made 4 of his seven photographs, scoring 14 factors in simply 22 minutes on Sunday.
Mathurin will sq. off towards Dort once more on Wednesday, June 11, however this time in Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 8:30 p.m. ET. The upcoming recreation is pivotal for the Pacers, as it is going to be their first residence recreation within the finals sequence, and they’re coming off a defeat.
The Pacers could need to improve the Haitian-Canadian’s minutes going ahead, particularly after his composed Recreation 2 efficiency. For Haitian followers, they’re desperate to see extra from Mathurin because the sequence strikes to Indiana.
Up to now, this matchup has held the promise of being one for the historical past books.
Dort, 26, is taking part in in his sixth NBA season with a repute for elite perimeter protection. Mathurin, youthful and nonetheless rising, is exhibiting he belongs within the highlight.
Their subsequent showdown is for Recreation 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers will host their first Finals residence recreation, searching for to bounce again from Sunday’s loss.
Whether or not it’s Dort locking down his man or Mathurin rising right into a featured scorer, this sequence is showcasing the rise of Haitian expertise in skilled basketball, on the game’s grandest stage.