As a lifelong basketball fan who's spent countless hours analyzing NBA Finals performances, I often find myself revisiting one of the most dominant individual displays in recent memory. The 2019 championship series left us with an unforgettable question: Who was the 2019 NBA Finals MVP and how did they dominate the series? Let me walk you through what made this performance so special, while drawing some interesting parallels to current international basketball moments.
Let me start with the obvious question: Who actually won the 2019 NBA Finals MVP award? That would be Kawhi Leonard of the Toronto Raptors, who put together one of the most complete two-way performances in Finals history. Watching him dismantle the Warriors was like witnessing basketball perfection - he averaged 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while playing elite defense. What's fascinating is how his approach reminds me of modern international stars like Justin Brownlee, who recently demonstrated similar clutch gene in Gilas Pilipinas' crucial win. Brownlee's efficient first-half performance - 8 points on 2-of-4 shooting including that crucial three-pointer - shows how today's stars maximize limited opportunities, much like Kawhi did throughout the 2019 series.
Now you might wonder: How did Kawhi's supporting cast compare to traditional championship teams? This is where it gets interesting. While Kawhi was undoubtedly the engine, players like Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam provided crucial support. The Raptors operated as a perfectly balanced machine where everyone understood their role. This reminds me of how Brownlee operated in that Saudi Arabia game - the Boomers were deliberately trying to force him to give up the ball, recognizing his threat, yet he still buried his only three-pointer of the first half when it mattered most. Championship basketball, whether in the NBA or international play, often comes down to stars making plays despite defensive attention.
What made Kawhi's defensive impact so special throughout the series? Having rewatched every game multiple times, I can tell you his defensive versatility was absolutely breathtaking. He guarded everyone from Steph Curry to Draymond Green, disrupting Golden State's offensive flow at every turn. This two-way dominance is what separates good players from legends. Similarly, when I watch players like Brownlee contribute on both ends during crucial moments - like helping Gilas Pilipinas clinch that quarterfinal berth - it reinforces how modern basketball demands complete players.
Why was Kawhi's efficiency so remarkable given his heavy usage? The numbers still astonish me - he shot 43% from three-point range while taking nearly six attempts per game. But here's what stats don't show: his impeccable timing. He had this uncanny ability to score exactly when the Raptors needed momentum, similar to how Brownlee picked his spots against Saudi Arabia. Brownlee's 2-of-4 first-half shooting demonstrates that quality of making every possession count rather than forcing unnecessary shots.
How did Kawhi handle the pressure of being the primary option throughout the series? This is where his mental toughness truly shone. With Kevin Durant injured and the Warriors still fielding an All-Star lineup, Kawhi never seemed rattled. He played with this quiet confidence that permeated through the entire Raptors roster. Watching Brownlee in international play gives me similar vibes - that calm professionalism when your team needs you most, like when he helped secure that quarterfinal berth despite defensive schemes designed specifically to stop him.
What can current players learn from Kawhi's 2019 Finals performance? The main lesson is about efficiency and timing. Kawhi mastered the art of controlling games without dominating the ball constantly. His approach reminds me of how smart players like Brownlee operate - contributing meaningfully even when not stuffing the stat sheet. Brownlee's first-half impact against Saudi Arabia, particularly that crucial three-pointer when defenders tried to force the ball out of his hands, shows how modern basketball rewards intelligent play over pure volume scoring.
Reflecting on that 2019 series, I'm struck by how Kawhi's performance set a new standard for two-way excellence in the modern era. His ability to dominate offensively while locking down opponents defensively provides a blueprint that current stars still try to emulate. And when I see international veterans like Brownlee making similar winning plays in crucial moments, it reinforces that basketball intelligence and timing often matter more than raw athleticism. The 2019 NBA Finals MVP wasn't just about statistics - it was about mastering the game's rhythm and making every moment count, qualities that continue to define championship basketball at every level.