OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Under 24 hours until the start of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers share a unique feature: two former Gonzaga Bulldogs battling for the title.
Both players spoke highly of the opportunity to play in this environment, Holmgren remarking on his team’s tenacity.
“Playing for each other, one, and two, the type of guys we have here,” Holmgren said. “If you ask anybody, everybody’s going to tell you that they’re a winner. And everybody is a winner until it’s inconvenient for them.”
Nembhard expressed his gratuity for the moment, especially as a Canadian national in the sport, like the NBA MVP, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“Growing up, I said that earlier, I was always looking up to older players, and it was an inspiration to see them do things, and I felt like I could do it at one point, and if we could do the same for the younger generation, it would be a great thing,” Nembhard said. “In terms of this stage, no matter who I’m playing, this is gonna be exciting.”
Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City tips off tomorrow night at 5:00 p.m. on ABC.
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