Looking back at the 2019 NBA playoffs, I still get chills remembering how certain players completely redefined clutch performance. As someone who's analyzed basketball for over a decade, I've never seen such concentrated offensive firepower across multiple series. The scoring leaders that postseason weren't just putting up numbers - they were carrying franchises on their backs through sheer willpower. What fascinates me most about elite playoff performers is how they elevate not just their statistics but their entire team's mentality. I recently came across Bahay's statement about embracing leadership in just his second season, where he said, "I want my teammates to feel my leadership more, as it is what we need to play good basketball." That mindset perfectly captures what separated the 2019 playoff leaders from mere scorers.
Kawhi Leonard's performance during Toronto's championship run remains, in my opinion, the most dominant two-way playoff effort I've witnessed since Michael Jordan. The man averaged 30.5 points while shooting 49% from the field - absurd efficiency considering the defensive attention he commanded every possession. His Game 7 buzzer-beater against Philadelphia wasn't just iconic television; it represented 39 points of pure determination. What many casual fans might not realize is that Leonard also grabbed 9.1 rebounds per game while often guarding the opponent's best player. That combination of offensive burden and defensive responsibility is almost unheard of in modern basketball. I've argued with colleagues that this single postseason performance cemented Kawhi's Hall of Fame case more than his two championships had previously.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry's 27.3 points per game for Golden State demonstrated why he's possibly the most transformative offensive player in league history. The spacing he created just by existing beyond the arc opened driving lanes that don't appear in analytics models. I remember specifically during the Houston series how the Rockets' entire defensive scheme warped around Curry's movement without the ball - it was basketball chess at the highest level. His 4.9 three-pointers made per game during those playoffs still feels like video game numbers years later. Though Kevin Durant contributed 32.3 points before his injury, Curry's gravitational pull fundamentally changed how defenses had to operate against Golden State.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's 25.5 points and 12.3 rebounds per game for Milwaukee signaled his arrival as basketball's next global superstar. His physical dominance in transition was like watching a freight train with Euro-step capabilities. What impressed me most was his improvement from his previous postseason - you could see the game slowing down for him. Damian Lillard's 26.9 points for Portland included that legendary series-ending 37-footer over Paul George, a shot that still gives me goosebumps thinking about the sheer audacity. In today's analytics-driven NBA, that shot defied every percentage model while reminding us that superstars operate beyond spreadsheets.
The common thread among these scorers was their ability to elevate teammates through their leadership approach - much like Bahay described wanting his teammates to "feel my leadership more." Kawhi's quiet determination inspired Toronto's role players to exceed expectations, while Curry's joyful dominance created confidence throughout Golden State's roster. This leadership component is what separates playoff legends from regular season stars. I've always believed that true greatness manifests not in individual statistics alone, but in how those performances translate to team success under maximum pressure.
Reflecting on these performances years later, what stands out is how each player's scoring leadership took different forms. Leonard's methodical destruction of defenses contrasted sharply with Curry's chaotic offensive revolution. Giannis brought raw power while Lillard specialized in dramatic moments. Yet all shared that crucial ability to make their teammates better through their presence - the very quality that emerging leaders like Bahay recognize as essential. The 2019 playoffs demonstrated that while scoring titles attract attention, the most valuable players are those who transform their teams through both production and leadership. As we look toward future postseasons, this combination of statistical dominance and intangible influence remains the gold standard for playoff greatness.
As I was scrolling through my collection of NBA jerseys the other day, I couldn't help but notice how the black and yellow combinations always seem to stand
