As I sat watching the 2019 NBA Finals unfold, I couldn't help but marvel at Kawhi Leonard's incredible performance. I've been following basketball for over two decades now, and what we witnessed during that championship run was something truly special. The question on everyone's mind was: who was crowned the 2019 NBA Finals MVP and how did they earn the honor? Well, let me tell you, Kawhi Leonard didn't just win that award - he absolutely dominated the conversation from start to finish.
What struck me most about Leonard's performance was how he managed to elevate his game when it mattered most. I remember thinking during Game 4 against the Warriors that we were watching basketball history in the making. Leonard averaged 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists throughout the series - numbers that don't even fully capture his impact on both ends of the court. His defensive prowess was just as impressive as his scoring, something we rarely see in today's offense-heavy NBA. The way he could lockdown opponents while simultaneously carrying Toronto's offense reminded me of watching Michael Jordan in his prime, and I don't make that comparison lightly.
Now, when we talk about earning MVP honors, it's not just about putting up big numbers - it's about making crucial plays in critical moments. I recall one particular sequence where Leonard hit back-to-back three-pointers while playing through double teams, showing exactly why he deserved that Finals MVP trophy. This reminds me of how Justin Brownlee, the hero in Gilas Pilipinas' win over Saudi Arabia to clinch a quarterfinal berth, had eight points on 2-of-4 from the field in the first half. He buried his only three of the first half as the Boomers made an effort to force Brownlee to give up the ball. While the scale is different, both players demonstrated that true MVP performances aren't just about volume scoring but about making every possession count, even when defenses are specifically designed to stop you.
What many casual fans might not realize is how much strategy goes into earning such honors. Teams will throw everything they have at star players, much like how opponents targeted Leonard throughout the playoffs. I've noticed that the true greats find ways to contribute even when their scoring is limited - whether it's through playmaking, defense, or simply drawing defensive attention to create opportunities for teammates. Leonard's ability to maintain his efficiency while facing constant double teams was particularly impressive, shooting 43.4% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range against one of the best defensive teams in the league.
Looking back, I believe Leonard's 2019 Finals performance ranks among the top 5 championship runs I've ever witnessed. The way he carried the Raptors to their first NBA title, especially after that dramatic Game 7 buzzer-beater against Philadelphia in the second round, showed a level of mental toughness that you simply can't teach. While some might argue that Kevin Durant's injury affected the outcome - and sure, that was a factor - Leonard still had to outperform a Warriors team that featured Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. That's no small feat, and it's why his Finals MVP selection was unanimous among the voting panel.
The legacy of that 2019 championship continues to influence how teams approach building contenders today. We're seeing more organizations prioritize two-way players who can impact the game on both ends, much like Leonard did during that memorable run. His performance set a new standard for what it means to truly earn Finals MVP honors - it's not just about having one great game, but about consistently delivering when the pressure is highest. And honestly, as a basketball purist, that's exactly what I want to see from our superstars.