Oklahoma City Thunder’s Luguentz Dort brought the NBA trophy home, celebrated with fans in Montréal-Nord after winning the 2025 championship.
A Champion Returns Home
Montreal-born NBA star Luguentz Dort returned to his hometown on Thursday, August 21, 2025, to celebrate his first NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 26-year-old guard brought the Larry O’Brien Trophy to the streets of Montréal-Nord, where thousands of fans lined up to honour him.
The Celebration Through the Streets
Dort rode through the borough in a Lamborghini, lifting the championship trophy high above the crowd as a Haitian marching band set the rhythm for the parade. Supporters carried signs reading “Lu the champ” and “Mtl-Nord proud of its champion” while chanting his name. The parade ended at Parc Pilon, where Dort addressed the community directly.
Why the Celebration Mattered
For Dort, the parade was about giving back. “Any success I have, I want to share with my people,” he told the cheering crowd. Montréal-Nord, home to one of Canada’s largest Haitian communities, has long shaped Dort’s identity. He emphasized the importance of being a role model for local youth who rarely see themselves on basketball’s biggest stage.
A Season to Remember
Dort’s Thunder captured the championship after a hard-fought seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers, a team led by fellow Montrealer Bennedict Mathurin. Alongside Canadian MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort played a critical defensive role, earning All-NBA First Team Defensive honours and finishing fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Recognition Beyond the Court
The celebration followed Dort’s invitation to Montreal City Hall a day earlier, where Mayor Valérie Plante honoured him for his athletic achievements and community leadership. Dort signed the city’s Livre d’Or, joining other Montreal icons recognized for global impact.
How Dort Made History
Dort became the fourth Montrealer to win an NBA title, joining Bill Wennington, Joel Anthony, and Chris Boucher. Once overlooked after going undrafted in 2019, Dort carved out a reputation as a tenacious defender and a resilient competitor. Now, with a championship ring, he stands as Montréal-Nord’s most impactful NBA champion yet.
Looking Ahead
As Dort waved both the NBA trophy and the Haitian flag, he reminded fans that his journey is about more than basketball. It is a story of perseverance, community pride, and inspiring the next generation. For the children wearing his No. 5 Thunder jersey, Dort’s success is proof that greatness can come from Montréal-Nord.
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