Andrew Nembhard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luguentz Dort didn’t just start the game—they changed the narrative
From Olympic disappointment to NBA Finals history, their journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and the global nature of the sport. As the series unfolds, one thing is clear—Canadian basketball has arrived, and it’s here to stay.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals gave fans everything: drama, star power, comebacks, and a breakout performance. But more than anything, it gave us a new playoff hero.
Andrew Nembhard’s growth, grit, and fearlessness were on full display—and now, the league has no choice but to take notice.
For Indiana, Game 1 isn’t just a win. It’s a declaration. The Pacers are for real. And Andrew Nembhard might just be the Finals X-factor no one saw coming.
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Andrew Nembhard Shines as Pacers Stun Thunder in Game 1 Comeback
The 2025 NBA Finals tipped off with an electric showdown between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.1
But few could have predicted the dramatic 15-point fourth-quarter comeback led by none other than Andrew Nembhard.
In a game brimming with young stars and high-octane offense, it was Nembhard—a name less frequently in headlines—who rose to the occasion and pushed Indiana to a stunning 111-110 road win.
A Tale of Two Halves for Indiana
Indiana’s victory looked highly improbable at halftime. The Pacers had committed a historic number of turnovers—17 in the first half alone—and trailed by double digits heading into the fourth quarter.
OKC had dictated the pace, Shai was finding his spots, and Chet Holmgren was altering everything in the paint.
But Rick Carlisle’s squad refused to fold. Indiana’s second unit brought a jolt of energy, the defense tightened, and Nembhard emerged as the calming force.
His decision-making stabilized the offense, and suddenly, the turnovers disappeared. Indiana played nearly flawless basketball in the final quarter, turning a disaster into a dream start to the Finals.
Andrew Nembhard’s Moment: Rising to the Occasion
While Tyrese Haliburton hit the eventual game-winning jumper, the fourth quarter belonged to Nembhard.2
He poured in eight clutch points in the final period, none more important than the shot that trimmed OKC’s lead and gave Indiana momentum.
His poise and playmaking down the stretch gave Haliburton the space he needed to bury the final dagger.
Nembhard wasn’t just scoring—he was controlling the tempo, calling out sets, and orchestrating Indiana’s offense with a level of maturity that belied his experience.
His fearless approach helped Indiana outscore the Thunder 34-18 in the final frame, flipping the script on a game OKC had controlled for three quarters.
Prizm vibes wit Panini @PaniniAmerica pic.twitter.com/NvJuJeGWkh
— Andrew Nembhard (@AndrewNembhard) February 21, 2023
Shai vs. Nembhard: A Canadian Showdown
One of the most intriguing storylines coming into Game 1 was the matchup between two Team Canada standouts: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Andrew Nembhard.
Back in March, Gilgeous-Alexander had affectionately called Nembhard his “favorite point guard” in an Instagram post, showing love to his fellow countryman.
That camaraderie was momentarily set aside when the Finals stage arrived. In a crucial late-game possession, Nembhard was assigned to defend Shai one-on-one.
With less than 30 seconds remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander rose for a mid-range jumper that would have extended the Thunder’s lead to three. Nembhard was right there, contesting the shot and forcing the miss.
It was a poetic reversal: the “favorite point guard” stopping the NBA MVP in the biggest moment of the game.
Andrew Nembhard: Fans Light Up Social Media
Fans on social media quickly picked up on the irony. Gilgeous-Alexander’s previous praise for Nembhard became the center of memes, tweets, and reactions across NBA Twitter.3
@NotLikeRuss: “He was cooking him a little too comfortably makes sense that they close lmao”
@BIGMEM12: “Dawg I still can’t get it out my head he cooked him”
@HoodiiShai: “Shai we set ourselves up w that one”
@CookedByPayne: “And he shoved Nembhard in the game too. This series finna be cinema.”
The banter was spirited, and while fans had fun poking at Shai, the underlying sentiment was clear: Andrew Nembhard had earned everyone’s respect.
More Than Just a Role Player
Andrew Nembhard entered the league as a second-round pick and was largely seen as a traditional backup point guard. But his development has been rapid.
In these playoffs alone, he’s taken on increased ball-handling responsibilities, defended elite perimeter players, and now, closed out a Finals game on the road.
His fourth-quarter performance showcased the full spectrum of his skill set: vision, footwork, clutch shot-making, and defensive IQ.
For a player who didn’t carry the spotlight coming into the series, he certainly walked out of Game 1 with center stage.
The Haliburton-Nembhard Backcourt Chemistry
Much has been made about Tyrese Haliburton’s rise as the face of the Pacers franchise. But his partnership with Nembhard deserves equal praise.
While Haliburton’s shot-making is electric, it’s Nembhard’s presence that allows him to thrive as a scorer late in games.
Their on-court chemistry was evident in Game 1, particularly in the two-man actions they ran in crunch time.
When defenses blitzed Haliburton, Nembhard punished them by attacking the rim or making the smart extra pass.
Their synergy will be vital if Indiana hopes to win the franchise’s first NBA title.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Still a Threat
- Despite the loss and late-game miss, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains a force in this series. He finished with 31 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, once again proving why he was the regular-season MVP.
- The Thunder’s offense still revolves around his ability to break down defenders and make tough shots.
- But Indiana’s ability to wear him down over the course of Game 1, especially with Nembhard picking him up full-court at times, could become a bigger storyline as the series progresses.
- Game 1 was a statement, but the job is far from finished. Indiana now heads home for Games 2 and 3, needing to capitalize on their road win and hold serve at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- Historically, teams that win Game 1 on the road have a strong chance to win the series—especially if they can protect their home court.
- For the Pacers, the focus now shifts to consistency. Can Nembhard replicate his Game 1 performance? Can Indiana limit their turnovers and execute in the halfcourt over a seven-game series? If the answer to both is yes, the Larry O’Brien trophy could be within reach.
- The Pacers haven’t reached the NBA Finals since the days of Reggie Miller in 2000, and they’ve never hoisted the championship trophy.
- This young, energetic, and fearless team is defying expectations. They’re not supposed to be here—at least not this soon—but they’re making believers out of everyone with each clutch performance.
- And at the heart of that narrative is Andrew Nembhard, the overlooked point guard who may have just authored the first great chapter of an unforgettable Finals story.
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Andrew Nembhard: Historic NBA Finals Game 1
The 2025 NBA Finals tipped off in spectacular fashion, but it wasn’t just the drama and performance that caught fans’ attention—it was the unprecedented presence of Canadian talent at the highest level of basketball.
For the first time in NBA history, three Canadians—Andrew Nembhard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luguentz Dort—started in Game 1 of the championship series.
While basketball in Canada has steadily risen over the years, this marked a monumental moment in the sport’s evolution north of the border.
Olympic Disappointment Fuels Determination
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Andrew Nembhard didn’t arrive at this moment by accident. Both players represented Team Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics, alongside Luguentz Dort.
Hopes were high for a deep run, but the dream came to an abrupt halt when they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by a Victor Wembanyama-led France team. The Canadian squad ultimately placed fifth—a respectable finish but far from their aspirations.
Instead of sulking in defeat, Gilgeous-Alexander, Nembhard, and Dort turned their frustration into motivation for the 2024–25 NBA season.
The Olympic letdown only sharpened their resolve, and all three had career-best seasons, culminating in their Finals appearances with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, respectively.
A Game of Firsts: Canadians in the Spotlight
Game 1 of the NBA Finals was already historic before the opening tip. Never before had three Canadians started a Finals game. And in a poetic twist, there were more Canadians starting in the NBA Finals than in the Stanley Cup Finals—despite the latter featuring a Canadian team, the Edmonton Oilers.
This unprecedented occurrence is more than a statistic—it’s a milestone for Canadian basketball. For decades, the NHL reigned supreme in Canada.
However, the rise of NBA stars like Steve Nash laid the foundation, and now players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Nembhard are pushing the boundaries further.
A Star Among Stars
The spotlight entering Game 1 belonged to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s newly crowned MVP.
After leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the best record in the West, expectations were sky-high. And true to form, SGA delivered a 38-point performance in the opening contest.
He dazzled with a combination of mid-range mastery, clutch shot-making, and cool composure. Despite the loss, Shai sent a message: he’s not going down quietly.
The MVP’s performance was electric, a reminder of why he’s considered among the NBA’s elite. But the night wasn’t his—at least not yet.
Andrew Nembhard: The Unlikely Hero
While Gilgeous-Alexander entered the Finals with a superstar label, Andrew Nembhard came in as a rising role player. Yet Game 1 saw him step into the spotlight in a big way.
Tasked with sharing playmaking duties alongside Tyrese Haliburton, Nembhard excelled in executing coach Rick Carlisle’s game plan.
He handled pressure, made smart decisions, and hit timely shots. Nembhard’s presence in the starting lineup was more than symbolic—it was impactful.
His ability to contribute on both ends of the court added another dimension to Indiana’s offense. With every possession, he proved he belongs on the biggest stage.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Magic Continues
Though the Canadian trio captured headlines, Tyrese Haliburton once again played the role of closer. For the fourth time this postseason, Haliburton hit a game-winning shot—this one securing a critical road win in Game 1 of the Finals.
His late-game heroics have become a theme for the Pacers. Haliburton’s ability to create his own shot under pressure has given Indiana a deadly weapon in clutch moments. His performance in Game 1 didn’t just win the game—it shifted the series narrative.
What once looked like a dominant Thunder run now feels like a competitive and possibly long Finals battle.
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Luguentz Dort: Defensive Anchor
Often overshadowed by his teammates’ offensive prowess, Luguentz Dort brought his trademark defense and grit to the floor. Tasked with guarding Haliburton and rotating across multiple positions, Dort made every possession difficult.
His physicality and hustle were crucial in keeping the Thunder within striking distance throughout the game.
While his box score might not dazzle, Dort’s impact was deeply felt—diving for loose balls, contesting shots, and setting the tone defensively. In a series where every detail matters, Dort’s effort will be a vital piece of OKC’s strategy moving forward.
Rick Carlisle’s Coaching Masterclass
The Indiana Pacers were heavy underdogs heading into Game 1. The Thunder had the better record, home-court advantage, and the league’s MVP. But head coach Rick Carlisle didn’t flinch.
Known for his tactical brilliance and ability to adjust on the fly, Carlisle orchestrated another masterful game plan.
He mixed coverages, rotated defenders on Gilgeous-Alexander, and empowered his backcourt to control the tempo.
By game’s end, Carlisle had engineered a win few believed was possible.
Carlisle’s adjustments—combined with Indiana’s resilience—flipped the pressure onto Oklahoma City’s shoulders heading into Game 2.
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