Looking back at the 2019 NBA playoffs, I still get chills remembering how certain players completely took over the game. As someone who’s followed basketball for over a decade, I’ve always been fascinated by what separates playoff performers from regular season stars. The pressure amplifies, defenses tighten, and yet some players not only maintain their production—they elevate it. That year, we witnessed some truly historic individual performances that deserve deeper analysis, especially when you consider how leadership qualities—like what young players such as Bahay are now embracing—can shape those numbers.
When we talk about scoring leaders, Kevin Durant’s name immediately comes to mind, even though his postseason was tragically cut short. Before going down with that Achilles injury in the Finals, he was putting up an absurd 32.3 points per game on 51% shooting from the field and 44% from three-point range. I remember watching him in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Clippers thinking, "This might be the most unstoppable scoring run I’ve ever seen." His ability to get buckets from anywhere on the court, regardless of defensive pressure, was just surreal. What many forget is that Kawhi Leonard was right there with him statistically, averaging 30.5 points while carrying the Raptors to their first championship. Leonard’s playoff run was a masterclass in efficient scoring—his 49% field goal percentage while facing constant double teams demonstrated why he’s one of the most complete offensive players of his generation.
The assists category told a different but equally compelling story. Draymond Green, often praised for his defense, orchestrated Golden State’s offense with remarkable precision, averaging 8.5 assists per game. What impressed me most wasn’t just the number itself, but how he accumulated them—through incredible basketball IQ and understanding of defensive rotations. Meanwhile, Kyle Lowry’s 6.6 assists per game don’t jump off the page statistically, but anyone who watched those playoffs knows his playmaking was crucial to Toronto’s success. His ability to control tempo and make the right pass in critical moments was something stats alone can’t capture. This reminds me of something interesting I recently came across—Bahay, a young player preparing for his second season as team captain, said "I want my teammates to feel my leadership more, as it is what we need to play good basketball." That sentiment perfectly captures what separates good playmakers from great ones—it’s not just about accumulating assists, but about making your presence felt in ways that elevate everyone around you.
What’s fascinating to me—and this is where my personal bias comes through—is how these statistical leaders approached the game differently. Steph Curry, who averaged 28.2 points, did so with incredible off-ball movement and shooting range that stretched defenses to their breaking point. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 25.5 points came predominantly through relentless attacks at the rim. I’ve always preferred scorers who create advantages through movement rather than pure isolation, but you can’t argue with either approach when they’re producing at that level. The diversity in scoring methods among the leaders that year was particularly striking—from Damian Lillard’s deep threes to Joel Embiid’s post dominance.
The relationship between scoring and playmaking in the playoffs has always intrigued me. James Harden averaged 31.6 points and 6.9 assists, demonstrating how elite players must often balance both roles. But here’s where I’ll offer a somewhat controversial opinion: traditional assist numbers can be misleading. A player like Draymond Green might have fewer flashy assists, but his hockey assists and secondary playmaking created far more offensive value than the raw numbers suggest. This is where leadership truly manifests—in the subtle decisions that don’t show up in box scores but determine playoff games.
Reflecting on these performances years later, what stands out is how leadership qualities directly influenced those statistics. The best playoff performers didn’t just put up numbers—they made their teammates better through their presence and decision-making. That connection between statistical production and intangible leadership is something we’re seeing the next generation recognize, as evidenced by Bahay’s comments about wanting his leadership to be felt more tangibly. The greats understand that playoff success requires both individual excellence and the ability to elevate those around you—a balance the 2019 leaders demonstrated magnificently.
Ultimately, the 2019 playoff leaders provided a blueprint for what separates good players from legendary postseason performers. The numbers themselves tell one story—Durant’ scoring brilliance, Green’s playmaking mastery—but the context reveals so much more. As we look toward future playoffs, I believe we’ll see more players recognizing that leadership and statistical production aren’t separate categories, but interconnected elements of playoff success. The players who master both—like those 2019 standouts—are the ones who leave lasting legacies and championship memories.
