Sports

Two proud sons of Haiti. One final battle. This Sunday, the spotlight belongs to us all.

By The Haitian Pulse Sports Desk | June 22, 2025

The 2025 NBA Finals have delivered heart-pounding drama, rising tension, and unforgettable performances—but perhaps the most powerful storyline is the one written in Creole pride. As the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder lock horns in a winner-takes-all Game 7 on Sunday, June 22, all eyes—especially in Haiti—are focused on Luguentz “Lu” Dort and Bennedict Mathurin.

They aren’t just elite athletes. They are symbols of resilience, talent, and possibility. Two Haitian players, on opposite sides of the court, now stand at the edge of NBA immortality.

The Road to Game 7: Fire, Fight, and Finals Magic

What started as a faceoff between two of the league’s youngest teams has now blossomed into one of the most thrilling Finals matchups in years.

• Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the relentless defense of Lu Dort, took a 3–2 lead after a gritty Game 5 win.

• Indiana Pacers, undeterred and unshaken, struck back with force in Game 6, dominating 108–91 thanks to a crushing second quarter and suffocating defense.

Now, with the series tied 3–3, the Finals will be decided in Game 7—the first NBA Finals Game 7 in nearly a decade.

Game 7 Details

• Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025

• Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET | National Broadcast

History will be made. And for Haitians everywhere, it’s personal.

Luguentz Dort: Thunder’s Guardian of the Perimeter

From undrafted underdog to elite defender, Lu Dort has proven his value on every possession. In this Finals series, he’s not only been a defensive anchor but a surprisingly lethal shooter.

• Averaging over 13 points per game

• Shooting 58.3% from three

• Defending Indiana’s top scorers with relentless intensity

Though Game 6 wasn’t his most explosive outing, Dort’s presence remains vital. If he locks in on both ends in Game 7, OKC’s hopes rise with him.

Bennedict Mathurin: Pacers’ Lightning in a Bottle

Mathurin exploded onto the Finals stage, delivering one of the most exciting playoff performances from a young player in years.

• Game 3: A jaw-dropping 27-point breakout—setting a Finals record for a player under 23 coming off the bench

• Series Shooting: 45.9% FG | 45.5% from three

He’s a fast-break weapon, a fearless shooter, and a spark of electricity every time he touches the ball. If he finds his rhythm Sunday, Indiana could ride his energy all the way to the title.

The Haitian Pulse Take: This Is Bigger Than Basketball

Two Haitian-born talents. Two different teams. One stage.

For a nation that has seen its fair share of struggle, this Finals has become a symbol of hope and identity. Lu Dort and Bennedict Mathurin are not just playing for rings—they’re playing for visibility, representation, and generations of youth watching from Cap-Haïtien to Carrefour.

They remind us that Haitian excellence knows no borders. From backcourts to world courts, we belong.

“They’re not just part of the Finals. They are the Finals.”

What Comes Next?

For Lu Dort: With his postseason resume growing, an All-Defensive Team selection is almost certain. Game 7 could vault him into All-Star conversations and a future leadership role in OKC.

For Bennedict Mathurin: He’s already a fan favorite in Indiana, and the Pacers will likely give him more responsibility moving forward. His fearless game and confidence hint at stardom.

Both have the chance to use their platforms far beyond the game—as cultural ambassadors, mentors, and living proof of Haitian potential.

Game 7: All or Nothing

June 22, 2025. The game that will decide legacies, championships—and perhaps ignite a new era of Haitian athletic pride.

One game.
One dream.
One moment to rise.

Join the Conversation

Who do you think will shine brightest—Dort’s defensive brilliance or Mathurin’s fearless scoring?

What do their stories mean to you, to Haiti, and to the future of our youth?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Be heard. Be proud.

At The Haitian Pulse, we bring you the real stories—from sports to politics, culture to resistance.
Real voices. Real vision. Real Haiti. 🇭🇹