Shai Gilgeous-Alexander approaches 3,000 points in thrilling NBA Finals

In the ongoing NBA Finals, four Canadian players are making headlines. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers, both prominent figures in the series, faced off in an intense Game 1 on June 5, 2025. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points while Nembhard contributed 14 points, helping Indiana secure a dramatic comeback victory after being down by 15 points. Their competitive history dates back to their youth, having played together on Canada’s national team at the Paris Olympics in 2024. The series raises the stakes as Oklahoma City, after a remarkable 68-14 regular season, now faces pressure to win Game 2, reducing the chances of losing the home-court advantage. As Gilgeous-Alexander prepares to reach a significant milestone, being only two points shy of 3,000 points for the season, his focus remains on the championship rather than personal accolades. The leading scorer of the league aims for his first finals victory. With only two teams, the 1993 Chicago Bulls and the 1995 Houston Rockets, having won the first two games of the finals on the road, the Pacers could become clear favorites if they win again. Teams that achieve a 2-0 lead in the finals historically win the championship nearly 86.5% of the time. This context adds to the pressure on both sides, as the Pacers play through a season full of challenges, including social media distractions surrounding playoff performance expectations. The series is set to progress to Indianapolis, with games 3 and 4 scheduled shortly after Game 2. The unique presence of four Canadians, including Lu Dort and Bennedict Mathurin, has contributed significantly to the finals narrative, as they collectively scored a record-breaking 72 points in Game 1. This surpassed the previous record for Canadian players in a finals game, amplifying the excitement surrounding the series and showcasing Canada’s growing impact on the NBA.