Haitian players Mathurin and Dort go head-to-head as NBA finalists are tied 1-1 

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Oklahoma City Thunder’s defensive ace Luguentz “Lu” Dort and Indiana Pacers’ emerging scorer Bennedict “Ben” Mathurin are headlining a historic NBA Finals—the first featuring two players of Haitian descent on opposing teams. After two games, the series is tied 1-1, and both athletes are making distinct, valuable contributions that spotlight the growing influence of Haitian-descended players in the league.

Dort, a 2025 NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, has been Oklahoma’s defensive engine throughout the postseason. He showed flashes of his offensive prowess in Game 1, scoring 15 points with five three-pointers and intercepting four steals, despite the Thunder’s narrow 111-110 loss. In Game 2, although he only scored three points, Dort’s relentless defensive pressure helped OKC dominate Indiana 123-107 to even the series. 

Meanwhile, Mathurin—just 22 and coming off the bench—was the Pacers’ leading bench scorer in Game 2, tallying 14 points in 22 minutes. The 2022 sixth overall pick added energy and efficiency, showing he’s ready for prime time. Though quieter in Game 1 with just five points, Mathurin’s clutch three and a chase-down block on Jalen Williams hinted at his upside.

Haitians across the globe have taken to social media to celebrate the representation. From Montréal, where both players were born to Haitian parents, to Miami and Port-au-Prince, fans are watching with pride. Many have reacted on social media.

In this historic NBA Finals matchup featuring two Haitian-Canadian players on opposing teams, Dort and Mathurin are both leaving their mark. As the series stands tied at 1-1, their performances have elevated visibility for Haitian talent in global basketball. With Haiti’s challenges dominating headlines—violence, political instability and a lack of institutional support—this moment serves as a bright spot for a diaspora that rarely sees itself on the sport’s biggest stage.

His name is Dort, French for sleep, but don’t sleep on him

Though not a major scorer in Game 2, Dort’s presence was pivotal. He played tough, physical defense—drawing criticism for his intensity—but limited Indiana’s offensive options. In Game 1, his performance was even more complete: 15 points, five threes, four steals and a memorable block on Aaron Nesmith in the final two minutes.

One of his most spectacular plays came when he trailed Tyrese Haliburton, stripped the ball clean, then popped out to the corner and drained a three-pointer off his own steal. He finished 5-for-9 from beyond the arc and didn’t commit a turnover in 36 minutes—a rare efficiency in a game where OKC lost the ball 24 times.

Mathurin flashes maturity, needs more minutes

Mathurin’s performance in Game 2 showed why he was a top pick. He shot 4-for-7 and nailed critical buckets, adding a much-needed scoring punch off the bench for the Pacers. In Game 1, he had five points, including a big three during Indiana’s second-half rally and a highlight block.

The rising Haitian-Canadian star also made a huge block in the third quarter, leaping high to swat the ball from Thunder’s Jalen Williams and deny him a dunk.

Like Dort, Mathurin excelled even when his team was losing. He impressively made four of his seven shots, scoring 14 points in just 22 minutes on Sunday. 

Mathurin will square off against Dort again on Wednesday, June 11, but this time in Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 8:30 p.m. ET. The upcoming game is pivotal for the Pacers, as it will be their first home game in the finals series, and they are coming off a defeat.                                                           

The Pacers may want to increase the Haitian-Canadian’s minutes going forward, especially after his composed Game 2 performance. For Haitian fans, they are eager to see more from Mathurin as the series moves to Indiana.

So far, this matchup has held the promise of being one for the history books.

Dort, 26, is playing in his sixth NBA season with a reputation for elite perimeter defense. Mathurin, younger and still emerging, is showing he belongs in the spotlight.

Their next showdown is for Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers will host their first Finals home game, seeking to bounce back from Sunday’s loss.

Whether it’s Dort locking down his man or Mathurin growing into a featured scorer, this series is showcasing the rise of Haitian talent in professional basketball, on the sport’s grandest stage.

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