The 2025-26 NBA season started with two exciting games on Tuesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, led the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory over Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets in overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, including sinking two crucial free throws in the final seconds. In another game, Jimmy Butler’s 31 points propelled the Golden State Warriors past the Los Angeles Lakers, who were without LeBron James due to sciatica.
The Toronto Raptors are set to begin their season in Atlanta, aiming to secure a playoff spot after missing out for two consecutive years. Canadian players continue to excel in the NBA, with 23 Canadians currently rostered by teams, making Canada the largest foreign supplier of NBA talent.
Key Canadian players to watch this season include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander recently led the Thunder to their first NBA championship and became the first non-American to win the Finals MVP award. Dort, known for his defensive prowess, was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team last season.
Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers played crucial roles in the team’s surprising run to the Finals. Nembhard’s strong performances in the playoffs were notable, while Mathurin made significant contributions off the bench.
Other notable Canadian players include Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, Shaedon Sharpe of the Portland Trail Blazers, Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns, Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat, and RJ Barrett of the Toronto Raptors. Each player brings unique skills and contributions to their respective teams, adding to the excitement of the upcoming NBA season.
