Looking back at the 2019 NBA playoffs, I still get chills remembering the sheer offensive firepower we witnessed that postseason. As someone who’s tracked basketball analytics for over a decade, I can confidently say that year’s scoring leaders weren’t just putting up empty numbers—they were carrying teams, rewriting narratives, and in some cases, completely redefining their legacies. The battle for scoring supremacy was particularly fascinating because it wasn’t just about who had the most points; it was about efficiency, clutch performance, and leadership under pressure. I’ve always believed that playoff stats reveal a player’s true character, and 2019 was a masterclass in that regard.

Kawhi Leonard, then with the Toronto Raptors, topped the playoff scoring charts with a staggering 732 total points over 24 games, averaging 30.5 points per game. What stood out to me wasn’t just the volume—it was the breathtaking efficiency. He shot 49% from the field and an impressive 37.9% from beyond the arc, all while shouldering the offensive load night after night. I remember watching his game-winning shot against Philadelphia in Game 7, that iconic bounce, bounce, bounce before dropping through the net. It wasn’t just skill; it was nerve. Leonard’s mid-range game felt like a throwback to an era where every possession mattered, and his ability to elevate when it counted most cemented his status as a playoff performer for the ages. Alongside his scoring, he contributed 9.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, proving he could impact the game in multiple ways even when his shot wasn’t falling.

Stephen Curry, though not the overall scoring leader, was a close second with 620 total points, averaging 28.2 points per game. His three-point shooting—always a spectacle—was at 39.7% in the playoffs, and he dished out 6 assists per game. But what I found most compelling was how he adapted when Kevin Durant went down with an injury. Curry had to become more than just a shooter; he had to lead, to create, and to carry the Warriors through some incredibly tense moments. I’ve always admired Curry’s resilience, but in 2019, he showed a different level of grit. Giannis Antetokounmpo, though his Milwaukee Bucks fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals, still put up monster numbers: 25.5 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His athleticism was otherworldly, but what struck me was how he used his physicality to dominate the paint—shooting 49.2% from the field, mostly on drives and finishes at the rim.

Beyond the usual suspects, players like Damian Lillard and James Harden delivered memorable performances. Lillard averaged 26.9 points and 6.6 assists, including that unforgettable 37-foot series-ending three-pointer against Oklahoma City—a shot I still rewatch from time to time because it encapsulates what playoff basketball is all about: audacity and execution. Harden, meanwhile, led the playoffs in total three-pointers made with 98, averaging 31.6 points per game. His step-back jumper became the stuff of legend, even if his Houston Rockets couldn’t get past the Warriors. I’ll admit, I’ve had my doubts about Harden’s playoff consistency over the years, but in 2019, he was undeniably brilliant, blending scoring with playmaking in a way that few others could.

When I think about leadership in that postseason, it’s impossible not to reflect on how young players stepped up. That’s where the reference to Bahay’s mindset resonates so strongly—his comment about wanting teammates to “feel my leadership more” mirrors what we saw from emerging stars in 2019. Players like Pascal Siakam, who averaged 19.0 points and 7.1 rebounds for the Raptors, weren’t just filling stat sheets; they were setting tones, energizing their squads, and proving that leadership isn’t always about years of experience. Siakam’s journey from role player to Finals MVP candidate was one of my favorite storylines that year. It reminds me that leadership, much like scoring, isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about presence, communication, and making others believe they can rise to the occasion.

From a statistical perspective, the 2019 playoffs also highlighted the importance of secondary metrics. For example, Nikola Jokić, though not a scoring leader, averaged 10.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game—showcasing how a player can dominate without being the primary scorer. As an analyst, I’ve always valued players who impact the game in multifaceted ways, and Jokić’s playoff run was a masterclass in that. Meanwhile, Draymond Green’s 10.1 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game underscored his role as the Warriors’ emotional and defensive anchor, even if his scoring numbers didn’t jump off the page.

Reflecting on all this, I’m struck by how the 2019 playoff leaders blended individual brilliance with team success. Leonard’s Raptors won the championship, but the scoring race itself was a testament to the diversity of talent in the league—from sharpshooters like Curry to slashers like Giannis and all-around maestros like Jokić. If I had to pick one takeaway, it’s that leadership, whether through scoring or intangibles, defines playoff legacies. And as Bahay’s words suggest, wanting your teammates to feel that leadership isn’t just a nice sentiment—it’s what separates good teams from great ones. The 2019 playoffs were a reminder that stats tell only part of the story; the heart and hustle behind those numbers are what truly endure.