Luguentz Dort and Bennedict Mathurin: Rivals on Court, Family Off It

MONTREAL — Luguentz Dort and Bennedict Mathurin competed fiercely on the court during Game 2 of the NBA Finals, but off the court, their families united for a common cause.

On Sunday night, as Dort’s Oklahoma City Thunder faced Mathurin’s Indiana Pacers, the families gathered in Montreal to support the players. They hosted a charity watch party at Verdun Auditorium to celebrate their ties.

Berline Dort, Luguentz’s sister, emphasized the theme of unity saying, “This is about unity. It’s not about rivalry.”

Erline Mortel and Elvie Jeune, the players’ mothers, watched together while Dort made a crucial play by stealing the ball from Mathurin six minutes into the game. Jennifer Mathurin, Bennedict’s sister, highlighted the importance of their shared backgrounds.

“They came here to offer their children a better life,” she said. “Our families are sitting here, cheering family members in the NBA … it means the world. At the end of the day, we’re all champions.”

Dort and Mathurin both hail from the Montreal North borough, known for its large Haitian community. Their shared heritage and journey inspire young athletes in the area. “A lot of Haitians play basketball because it’s very inexpensive,” said Jennifer. “It gives hope to the next generation.”

Jennifer Mathurin, also Bennedict’s manager, flew in from Oklahoma City to organize the event. She cited the Haitian motto ‘union fait la force’, meaning ‘unity makes strength’, as a guiding principle for bringing their families together.

With the series tied 1-1, she planned to fly back for Game 3 in Indianapolis. “It was important for us to show up together, both families, both foundations,” she noted.

Dort and Mathurin’s shared journey started as teenagers, playing basketball together for the Parc Ex Knights and later joining the Brookwood Elite AAU program. Their friendship deepened through the years.

<p"They're very tight, they’re proud of each other,” Berline Dort added. “They just want to uplift each other, and it’s like a brotherhood.”

Dort, known for his defensive prowess, has become a key player for the Thunder. In contrast, Mathurin, selected sixth overall in the 2022 NBA draft, is recognized for his scoring ability and explosive play.

<p“His character shows in how he supports Bennedict,” said Joey McKitterick, their former coach. “It says a lot about his selflessness.”

In Montreal, Dort and Mathurin stand as role models in a city where only three other locals have won NBA titles. Bill Wennington, Joel Anthony, and Chris Boucher are the city’s champions leading up to this historic matchup.

<p“It’s amazing,” Anthony said. “They've been making everyone proud in the city.”

Along with Dort and Mathurin, other Canadian talent is represented in the Finals, including MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Andrew Nembhard. Rowan Barrett, general manager for Canada’s men’s basketball team, noted that this reflects the growth of basketball talent in Canada.

<p“More players are finding a pathway to the NBA,” he said. “There was always talent there. Always.”

Anthony reiterated that the emerging talent in Montreal is reaching new heights, with Dort and Mathurin leading the way.