Who Led the 2019 NBA Playoffs? Top Scorers, Rebounders and Assist Leaders Revealed
I remember sitting in my living room during the 2019 NBA playoffs, completely mesmerized by the level of basketball we were witnessing. As someone who's analyzed basketball statistics for over a decade, I've never seen such a fascinating blend of individual brilliance and team dynamics. The playoffs that year weren't just about who won the championship - they revealed something deeper about leadership and what it takes to excel when the pressure's at its peak.
Looking back at the scoring leaders, Kawhi Leonard's performance still gives me chills. The man averaged 30.5 points per game while shooting 49% from the field - absolutely insane numbers for a playoff run. What impressed me most wasn't just his scoring, but how he elevated his game when Toronto needed him most. I've always believed that true leaders show up when it matters, and Leonard's Game 7 buzzer-beater against Philadelphia perfectly demonstrated that clutch gene. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry put up 28.2 points per game, but what many people forget is that he did this while facing constant double teams and defensive pressure.
The rebounding numbers tell an equally compelling story. Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 12.3 rebounds per game, which is remarkable for someone who also carried such a heavy offensive load. I've always been fascinated by how rebounding often reflects a player's determination and positioning sense. Joel Embiid's 10.5 rebounds per game showed his dominance in the paint, though I sometimes wonder if he could have pushed those numbers even higher with better conditioning. What struck me about both these big men was their ability to control the glass while still being primary offensive options - that dual threat capability is something I've always valued in players.
When we talk about playmaking, the assist leaders revealed some interesting patterns. Draymond Green's 8.5 assists per game might surprise casual fans, but for those of us who study the game deeply, it made perfect sense. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he has this unique ability to read defenses two steps ahead. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic averaging 8.4 assists as a center? That's just ridiculous - in the best way possible. I've always been drawn to unconventional playmakers, and Jokic redefined what we thought possible for big men in terms of facilitating offense.
This brings me to something that's been on my mind lately - the evolution of leadership in basketball. I recently came across Bahay's comments about embracing his captain role in just his second season, saying "I want my teammates to feel my leadership more, as it is what we need to play good basketball." That sentiment resonates deeply with what we saw in the 2019 playoffs. Leadership isn't just about putting up numbers - it's about making your presence felt in ways that elevate everyone around you. Kawhi Leonard might not have been the most vocal leader, but his work ethic and performance set the tone for that Raptors championship team.
What's fascinating to me is how these statistical leaders translated their individual excellence into team success. The Raptors won because Leonard's scoring came at crucial moments, because their role players understood their positions, much like how Bahay emphasizes the importance of collective understanding for good basketball. Golden State's system worked because Curry's gravity created opportunities for others, and Green's playmaking tied everything together. I've always believed that the best individual performances are those that make the team better, rather than just padding personal stats.
The defensive aspects often get overlooked in these discussions, but they were crucial. Leonard's 1.7 steals per game don't fully capture his defensive impact - he had this ability to completely disrupt opposing offenses through positioning and anticipation. Green's versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively. These defensive contributions might not show up as prominently in traditional stats, but they were just as important to their teams' success.
Reflecting on that playoff season, I can't help but think about how the game has evolved. We're seeing more versatile players who can score, rebound, and facilitate - the lines between positions are blurring. The leadership styles are changing too, from vocal captains to lead-by-example types. Personally, I find this evolution thrilling because it makes basketball more dynamic and unpredictable. The 2019 playoffs showcased this beautifully, with different types of leaders finding success through various approaches.
As we look toward future seasons, the lessons from 2019 remain relevant. Individual brilliance matters, but it's how that brilliance serves the team that ultimately determines success. The statistical leaders from those playoffs understood this balance - they put up impressive numbers while making their teammates better. That's the kind of leadership that wins championships, and it's exactly what emerging players like Bahay seem to recognize as essential for playing good basketball. The numbers tell one story, but the underlying narrative about leadership and team dynamics is what really stays with you long after the final buzzer sounds.
