For the first time ever, three Canadians were in the starting lineup for a single National Basketball Association team on Wednesday. Point guard Andrew Nembhard of Aurora, Ontario was the starting point guard, Bennedict Mathurin of Montreal, Quebec was the starting shooting guard and Oshae Brissett of Toronto, Ontario was the starting small forward. All three Canadian Pacers made a significant contribution as they combined for 49 points in a 118-114 Indiana win over the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
It was an exceptional game for Nembhard, as the rookie had 25 points and 10 rebounds for his third career double double. The 25 points were the second most in Nembhard’s career, as he had career-highs in points (31) and assists (13) in a 112-104 Pacers win over the Golden State Warriors on December 5, 2022. Nembhard also had two rebounds.
Mathurin meanwhile had 15 points, two rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot. Brissett had nine points, six rebounds and one assist.
So far this season, Mathurin is averaging 16.6 points per game. That is second in the NBA this season among rookies. Mathurin is only behind Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic, who averaged 20 points per game. With the win, the Pacers improved to a record of 33 wins and 40 losses. They are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and 1.5 games back of the Chicago Bulls for the final spot in the play-in tournament.
