2025 NBA Finals - Game One
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Andrew Nembhard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Are Two Canadians Who Know Eachother Quite Well
It’s a basketball narrative made for the ages.
Two Canadian kids who grew up competing against each other on the court are now battling on basketball’s biggest stage.
Andrew Nembhard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, both hailing from Canada, have taken two unique paths to achieve NBA stardom.
Their story, intertwined since their youth, has culminated in this electric showdown during the 2025 NBA Finals, where the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder face off for the title.
Basketball in Canada continues to flourish, producing these two electrifying players who first crossed paths on the youth circuit in Ontario.
Nembhard recalls vividly how Gilgeous-Alexander, already showing immense potential, was “the same size in eighth grade,” making him a dominating force even at an early age.
The two faced each other as kids before forming a camaraderie while playing for Canada’s national teams.
Fast forward to 2025, and these childhood competitors now stand as pivotal figures for their NBA franchises.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, has cemented himself as one of the league’s premier talents with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Meanwhile, Nembhard has emerged as a rising star for the Pacers, known for his steady playmaking and fearless defense.
Beyond their individual careers, the pair shares the experience of wearing the maple leaf on their jerseys.
Both were members of Team Canada during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, a campaign that ended in disappointment with a fifth-place finish.
Their Olympic experience also strengthened their bond as teammates, showcasing how mutual respect transcends intense on-court battles.
Their history collided spectacularly in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, where both showcased their talents in dramatic fashion.
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Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable for much of the game, scoring a game-high 38 points as he looked to give Oklahoma City a commanding start. Yet, it was Nembhard who rose to the occasion in the final moments.
With the Pacers staging an epic fourth-quarter comeback, Nembhard hit a critical step-back jumper over Gilgeous-Alexander to narrow the deficit late in the game.
The moment not only demonstrated Nembhard’s poise under pressure but also set the stage for Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot that shocked Oklahoma City and gave Indiana an early series lead.
Fans on social media were quick to revisit Gilgeous-Alexander’s past praise of Nembhard, humorously pointing out that the young Pacer had “cooked” his friend in perhaps their most crucial one-on-one battle yet.
Nembhard’s final stat line of 14 points, six assists, and stifling defense against Gilgeous-Alexander was crucial in helping the Pacers pull off one of the most improbable victories in NBA Finals history.
His calm demeanor and lockdown play underscored exactly why Indiana values him so highly.
This Finals series is also a moment of pride for Canadian basketball.
For the first time, three Canadians started in an NBA Finals game, with Luguentz Dort joining Nembhard and Gilgeous-Alexander on the court.
The fact that this matchup features more Canadians than this year’s Stanley Cup Final has only amplified the pride back home.
Both Nembhard and Gilgeous-Alexander have spoken about the honor of representing Canada on such a grand stage.
Reflecting on their journeys, both players emphasized what it means for young athletes north of the border to see them succeed.
“It’s good for the country,” Nembhard said. “When I was younger, looking up to players from Canada in the league inspired me. Hopefully, we can be that inspiration now.”
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