During the recent NBA Championship series, Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers, but the atmosphere transcended rivalry. While the two players competed on the court, their families came together to celebrate their accomplishments back in Montreal.
Sitting in the same section during the game, the mothers and sisters of both players united to honor the achievements of these two local stars. “This is about unity, not rivalry,” stated Berline Dort, Luguentz’s sister, highlighting the close ties between the families. The Dort and Mathurin families organized an official viewing party at the Verdun Auditorium, showcasing the significance of their shared backgrounds.
Jennifer Mathurin, Bennedict’s sister and manager, emphasized the importance of the event by reflecting on their Haitian roots. Both players grew up in Montreal-Nord, a neighborhood with a large Haitian community, and their presence in the NBA finals inspires local youth. “Many Haitians play basketball because it is relatively inexpensive, which gives hope to the next generation,” she remarked. The success of Dort and Mathurin sends a powerful message that achieving greatness is within reach.
The two players have a deep bond, having played together in their youth for the Parc Ex Knights and developing their skills in the Brookwood Elite AAU program. “They are very close and proud of each other,” mentioned Berline Dort. Their relationship is akin to that of brothers, as they continuously push each other to succeed.
As the series progresses with an equal standing at 1-1, both families remain supportive, with Jennifer Mathurin traveling back to Indiana for the next game. The event in Montreal reflects a growing sense of pride among the community, which is excited to witness not just one but two players from their neighborhood competing on the grand stage of the NBA finals.
With the historic nature of their accomplishments, there’s a burgeoning hope among local youth that they, too, can aspire to reach the heights of professional basketball. The camaraderie displayed between the families speaks volumes about the power of community and support, and the potential to inspire future stars.