Montreal North hosts viewing party as local NBA stars face off in finals
Posted June 13, 2025 11:11 pm.
Last Updated June 14, 2025 2:24 pm.
The community of Montreal North came together Friday evening to witness a historic moment — two of its own competing on basketball’s biggest stage.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Luguentz Dort and Indiana Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin — both born and raised in the borough — faced off in the NBA Finals, marking a rare and powerful moment of pride for their neighbourhood.
At Parc Pilon, near Henri-Bourassa and Pie-IX boulevards, residents gathered for a public outdoor viewing of Game 4. The free event was organized in partnership with local groups, including the Montreal North Basketball Club (CBMN), Centre artistique Uni-Son, and Black Inc.
Among the crowd was Geanica Toussaint, a resident of Montreal North. For her, the night represented something long overdue — a rare moment of celebration in a community many think is overlooked.
“It’s two different people playing from two different basketball teams, you know, from the NBA. So it’s a special event — I had to come,” Toussaint said.
More than a game
The event began with music, a DJ, live animation, and a community BBQ before the game was screened at 8:30 p.m.
Dozens of families brought their own chairs and settled in together to watch.
“For the community, this event means so much pride — the strength of being together, pushing the kids forward, and helping them see, ‘Look, there are people who made it — so they can keep dreaming,’” said Wilmann Edouard, director of the CBMN.
That dream is already catching fire, he said.
“Since the family knew they were playing each other last week, I’ve received around 10 calls every day and more. The fact that they’re playing in the NBA helps them keep dreaming and hopefully reach the level they are now.”
Jonathan Rial, another attendee, agreed.
“I just went to the court behind us and saw a lot of young guys playing basketball, trying to improve their game. I’m sure they’re looking up to those players and maybe one day think they can do it.”
Changing the narrative
Some attendees reflected on the negative perceptions often associated with Montreal North, but Friday night was a showcase of pride, resilience, and hope.
“To have two ballplayers from the NBA from Montreal North, it’s changing the direction that people were thinking about Montreal North. There used to be bad talk about the city, the neighborhood, et cetera. But there’s a lot of good things happening. There’s a lot of great people. There’s a lot of people that actually have great things. So, you know, I’m very proud of them and I’m very proud for Montreal North,” said Toussaint.
“I would like people to change their mind about Montreal North. Just because you see there were two young ballplayers and, you know, they had a dream. They kept on working on their dream and they were able to achieve it no matter what people were saying about them. So that is a great inspiration,” she added.
Borough Mayor Christine Black emphasized the importance of accessibility.
“It was really important for us at the borough to put this diffusion here in the park of Montreal North, to make it possible for all the teenagers, all the people at Montreal North, to watch the game, all the game for the final.”
Whether the Thunder or Pacers win the championship, she said, “it’s sure the cup will be coming back here to Montreal North in 2025.”
Impact across generations
Among those present were family members of Luguentz Dort, including his sister, Ludnie Dort. She described the community’s unity as emotional.
“It means so much. It’s so beautiful to see the youth coming, whether it’s a teen, whether it’s a kid that is 2 or 3, 4 years old. I’m really proud to see how they have impacted Montreal and only my brother knew and also the band that have impacted all the youth here in Montreal. I’m really happy to be here.”
As a mother, Ludnie sees the impact daily.
“I’m proud to see the youth coming in here and how they’ve always been impacted — not only in church, but in school too. When you go to the park, you see someone playing. You see a family member who wants to be a player. It’s so beautiful. Women as well. Little girls as well. So it’s beautiful to see how they have impacted, and how we can see it from the front row. I’m here. The park is full. So I’m really happy.”
Zakarya Benakmoun, a local community member, echoed the sentiment.
“They show that anything is possible, even in Montreal North. You can become someone important in the basketball world,” he said.
For Joane Brutus, a resident and event attendee, the event was meaningful in a different way.
“I’ve never been to an event like this in Montreal North,” she said. “It’s great to have people inspire the younger generation.”
Her message to kids: “Believe in your dreams. Don’t give up.”
A story rooted in home
Luguentz Dort’s brother, Frantz Dort, was also present, sharing treats with the crowd.
“Lou is all about giving back to his community. So if I can be the delivering hand, then I’ll be it,” he said.
He fondly recalled their childhood backyard basketball hoop. “Back when we were young, we had a basket in the back of our yard at our house, and we used to just play for fun. And today, he’s brought it to a whole new level.”
Watching Luguentz play on the world stage feels “surreal,” Frantz said.
“Now I’m going to be a little more used to it. But we didn’t expect that to happen.”
“We even had an event, both foundations together with the Mathurin family and the Dort family—a peaceful war.”
Marlon Gaspard Nelson, a local basketball player, was among those attending the party with friends before the game.
“We decided to come here to support two of our own playing in the NBA Finals because that’s a big deal for the city—not just the city, but for the whole neighborhood. We’re really proud of them, and we came to show our support.”
“It makes me feel like anything’s possible. Even though people put a lot of stereotypes on us, we can still rise above them. We keep proving that we can do it—at a higher level than what they expect from us.”
His final message: “Never count us out — we can still make it anywhere. We have no limits.”
The Thunder beat Indiana 111-104, tying the series at 2-2.
With momentum shifting, the Finals return to Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will look to make the most of their home-court advantage in Game 5. Tip-off is scheduled for Monday, June 16, at 8:30 p.m. ET.
