Top NBA Canadian Performances of The Week
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – #2 Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced back-to-back 39-point games this week, he also had three rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a 128-118 loss to the Phoenix Suns. SGA did his best to propel his squad against the Suns however they had too much star power as Kevin Durant made his return from an ankle injury. With big losses from the Dallas Mavericks, and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Oklahoma City Thunder are hanging onto the 10th and final play-in spot by a string. SGA has produced the best season of his career and helped the Thunder exceed expectations. Three games remain for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder as they look to push through and attempt to make their first playoff appearance since 2020.
2. Shaedon Sharpe – #17 Portland Trail Blazers
London, Ontario’s own Shaedon Sharpe was explosive against the Sacramento Kings, ending with a career high 30 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and six triples. The Portland Trail Blazers are unfortunately headed towards another “re-tooling” as they have shut down Damian Lillard, and Jerami Grant for the remainder of the season. The silver lining is simply Sharpe, playing the best stretch of basketball in his career, averaging 22.3 PPG in his last four matchups. Sharpe will continue to play heavy minutes as he takes the keys for the rest of the season. He has the green light right now and looks to end the season in strong fashion.
3. Bennedict Mathurin – #0 Indiana Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin led the Indiana Pacers with 26 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal on the way to a 127-104 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. With Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Myles Turner out for this matchup, Mathurin officially became the number one option on offense. Although it was a blowout, Mathurin kept the pace pushing and made the most of his 38 minutes on the court. With six games left on the season, the Pacers are heading towards the lottery. As veterans continue to rest, this is a great opportunity for Mathurin to take charge and take on a larger offensive role. Mathurin has re-entered the starting lineup and looks to have more performances like this as the season concludes.
4. Andrew Nembhard – #2 Indiana Pacers
Andrew Nembhard started for the Indiana Pacers and turned in a double-double with 15 points, and 15 assists in Wednesday’s 149-136 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Over Nembhard’s last 10 games, he is averaging 15.6 PPG and 5.1 assists. Tyrese Haliburton must have been impressed in this matchup as this proves that Nembhard can take on bigger offensive responsibilities. With the Pacers trending down in the Eastern Conference standings, Nembhard will take advantage of his minutes as the Pacers rest their top players down the stretch. He has truly proven to be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
5. Dillon Brooks – #24 Memphis Grizzlies
Dillon Brooks went off on Wednesday night, amassing 30 points, six rebounds and four assists in Wednesday’s 141-132 loss against the Los Angeles Clippers. With Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined, Brooks took full advantage, officially becoming the second option behind Ja Morant. Brooks was highly efficient, shooting 50% from the field, as this was his first 30-point game since December 17 versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although the result was a loss, the Memphis Grizzlies have set up a roster that has multiple offensive threats. Brooks will look to build on his performance in the next matchup.
