Canadian basketball made history on Thursday as the NBA Finals began with a landmark moment. For the first time in nearly 80 years, three of the ten starters in an NBA Finals game hailed from Canada. This notable achievement underscores the growing influence and talent emerging from Canadian basketball.
Adding to this impressive milestone is Montreal’s Bennedict Mathurin, who is part of the finals lineup, coming off the bench for the Indiana Pacers. This marks a significant moment for Canada, highlighting the development of top-tier talent in the sport.
The participation of four Canadians in the finals ties the record set in the previous season when the Boston Celtics faced the Dallas Mavericks. Last year, Oshae Brissett from Mississauga played for the Celtics while Dwight Powell, A.J. Lawson, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, representing Toronto and Brampton, donned the Mavericks’ colors.
This ongoing trend not only showcases the depth of Canadian talent in professional basketball but also adds an exciting narrative to the NBA Finals, capturing the attention of fans both in Canada and around the world. As Canadian athletes continue to shine on such significant stages, it paves the way for future generations and elevates the profile of basketball in Canada.