Who Were the Top 2019 NBA Playoff Leaders in Scoring and Performance?

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 rarely seen such a concentrated burst of individual brilliance across multiple series. The scoring leaders weren’t just putting up empty numbers—they were carrying teams, shifting momentum, and in some cases, rewriting their legacies in real time. I’ve always believed playoff performance separates the stars from the superstars, and 2019 was a masterclass in that distinction.

Kawhi Leonard’s run with the Toronto Raptors stands out in my mind as one of the most dominant two-way performances I’ve ever witnessed. He averaged 30.5 points per game on 49% shooting from the field, but those numbers don’t capture the sheer gravity of his presence. I remember watching Game 7 against Philadelphia, holding my breath as he hit that iconic bouncing buzzer-beater. It wasn’t just skill—it was nerve. Leonard elevated his game when it mattered most, something I’ve noticed separates true leaders from stat-sheet fillers. His 732 total playoff points that year rank among the highest in modern postseason history, and he did it while locking down the opponent’s best player night after night. That’s the kind of two-way dominance coaches dream about.

Then there was Giannis Antetokounmpo, who put up 25.5 points and 12.2 rebounds per game for Milwaukee. Watching him felt like seeing a force of nature—unstoppable in transition, relentless in the paint. I’ve always been fascinated by how certain players impose their will physically, and Giannis did exactly that. His performance against Boston in the first round was particularly memorable; he dropped 32 points and 13 rebounds in the closeout game, completely overwhelming their defense. Though the Bucks fell short in the Conference Finals, Giannis’s playoff run signaled his arrival as a bona fide superstar. I’d argue it was that postseason which set the stage for his back-to-back MVPs.

Stephen Curry’s scoring brilliance often gets overshadowed by Kevin Durant’s presence on those Warriors teams, but 2019 was different. Once Durant went down, Curry reclaimed his role as Golden State’s offensive engine, averaging 28.2 points and 6 assists while facing constant double teams. What impressed me most was his efficiency—he maintained a 44% field goal percentage despite increased defensive attention. His 37-point outburst in Game 6 against Houston to close out the series remains one of my favorite Curry performances. He demonstrated that leadership isn’t just about vocal presence; it’s about elevating your game when your team needs it most.

Damian Lillard’s series-winning 37-foot buzzer-beater against Oklahoma City remains etched in my memory. He averaged 26.9 points that postseason, but more importantly, he showed the kind of fearless leadership that defines playoff legends. I’ve always admired players who embrace those high-pressure moments rather than shy away from them. Lillard’s 50-point closeout game against OKC wasn’t just about scoring—it was a statement about mental toughness and what it means to lead by example.

Which brings me to an interesting parallel with leadership development in younger players. I recently came across Bahay’s comments about embracing his captain role in just his second season, saying "I want my teammates to feel my leadership more, as it is what we need to play good basketball." That mindset reminds me so much of what made the 2019 playoff leaders special—they understood that leadership isn’t just about personal stats but about elevating everyone around them. When I look at players like Leonard directing defenses or Curry organizing offenses, I see that same intentional approach to making teammates better. It’s why teams with true leaders often outperform those with just talented individuals.

Beyond the scoring titles, what made the 2019 playoffs particularly fascinating was how these leaders impacted games beyond just points. Draymond Green’s 10.1 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game don’t show up in scoring leader conversations, but his defensive coordination and playmaking were crucial to Golden State’s run. Nikola Jokić, while not a top scorer, averaged a near triple-double with 25.1 points, 13 rebounds, and 8.4 assists for Denver. As someone who values basketball IQ as much as physical talent, I found Jokić’s performance particularly compelling—he demonstrated that leadership can come through court vision and decision-making as much as through scoring.

Reflecting on these performances years later, I’m struck by how they’ve shaped today’s NBA landscape. The Raptors’ championship run built around Leonard’s two-way dominance has become a blueprint for constructing contenders. Giannis’s playoff experience that year clearly accelerated his development into the dominant force he is today. And Curry’s performance without Durant silenced any remaining doubters about his ability to carry a team deep into the playoffs. These weren’t just statistical achievements—they were foundational moments that changed how we think about superstar impact in the postseason. The 2019 scoring leaders showed us that playoff greatness isn’t just about putting the ball in the basket—it’s about doing so when everything is on the line, while making everyone around you better. That’s the kind of leadership that wins championships and defines careers.