Haitian Fam, we’re going to the NBA Finals — on both sides! For the first time in NBA history, two Haitian-Canadian athletes are set to face off in the championship series: Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers. This moment isn’t just about basketball — it’s about Haitian excellence taking center stage on the sport’s biggest platform.
The Indiana Pacers are heading to their first NBA Finals since 2000, and 22-year-old Bennedict Mathurin has been a force behind their run. Born in Montreal to Haitian parents, Mathurin has electrified the 2025 NBA Playoffs with fearless energy, clutch scoring, and pride for his roots. On May 31, the Pacers clinched their Finals spot with a 125–108 Game 6 win over the New York Knicks. Mathurin was pivotal throughout the Eastern Conference Finals. In Game 4, he exploded for 20 points in just 12 minutes off the bench, shooting 5-for-8 and 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. In Game 5, despite the loss, he led Indiana with 23 points and 8 rebounds. In Game 6, his energy and hustle alongside Obi Toppin’s 18 points helped secure the series 4-2.
After missing last year’s playoffs due to a shoulder injury, Mathurin’s comeback this season has been nothing short of inspiring. Averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, he’s proven why he was the No. 6 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Mathurin’s path is as powerful as his game. He became the first Canadian to attend the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City, broke barriers at the University of Arizona, and now shines as a multilingual global talent — fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. His Haitian roots run deep, and he honors them proudly, both on and off the court. Beyond basketball, he uplifts his community with Thanksgiving turkey drives in Indianapolis and continues to be a role model for young Haitians everywhere.
The Finals tip off on June 5, and with Luguentz Dort also representing Haiti on the opposing side, this historic matchup guarantees that a Haitian-Canadian player will be crowned NBA Champion. No matter the outcome, this is a win for Haiti — for our culture, our diaspora, and our future in sports. Let’s show up and celebrate our champions. The world is watching, and Haiti is shining.
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