Michael Bartlett, CEO of Canada Basketball, had an emotional stake in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, watching as four Canadians played pivotal roles on the court. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the championship against Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers. Bartlett expressed immense pride in how these players shone during such a high-pressure moment, emphasizing the significance of their experiences for Canada's national team.

Gilgeous-Alexander made history by winning the scoring title, MVP, NBA championship, and Finals MVP in the same season, a feat only achieved by legends like Michael Jordan. His performance in the playoffs, facing strong opponents, will undoubtedly benefit the Canadian national team in future international competitions. The success of these players is seen as a catalyst for growing interest in basketball across Canada.