Looking back at the 2019 NBA season, I can’t help but marvel at how certain teams carved their names into basketball history while others left us scratching our heads. As someone who’s spent years analyzing both professional and collegiate sports dynamics, I’ve always been fascinated by how player utilization—or the lack thereof—can shape a team’s destiny. It reminds me of the situation with Santos, a 25-year-old athlete whose limited minutes with the High Speed Hitters and even back with the Lady Spikers in the UAAP drew scrutiny from fans and critics alike. Her story mirrors what we sometimes see in the NBA: talent sitting on the bench when it could be changing games. In 2019, that narrative played out across the league, with teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors dominating headlines, but also with surprising underdogs making their mark.
The 2019 season was, without a doubt, a tale of two conferences. In the East, the Toronto Raptors clinched their first-ever NBA championship, led by Kawhi Leonard’s phenomenal two-way play. I still remember watching that iconic Game 6 shot against the Philadelphia 76ers—the ball bouncing on the rim what felt like a dozen times before dropping in. It was pure magic, and it underscored how a single player, when given the right minutes and trust, can elevate an entire franchise. The Raptors finished the regular season with a 58-24 record, and their playoff run was nothing short of legendary, beating teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Warriors in the Finals. On the other hand, the Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo putting up 27.7 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, dominated the regular season but fell short when it mattered most. It’s funny—I’ve always felt that teams sometimes overthink rotations, much like how Santos was underutilized; if the Bucks had adjusted their bench strategy earlier, maybe the outcome would’ve been different.
Out West, the Golden State Warriors were aiming for a three-peat, and for most of the season, they looked unstoppable. With Stephen Curry averaging 27.3 points and Klay Thompson adding 21.5, their offensive firepower was a sight to behold. But injuries plagued them, especially in the Finals when Kevin Durant went down with that devastating Achilles tear. As a fan, it was heartbreaking to watch, but as an analyst, it highlighted how fragile dominance can be. The Warriors’ 57-25 record was impressive, but it wasn’t enough to secure the title. Meanwhile, teams like the Houston Rockets, led by James Harden’s historic 36.1 points per game, and the Denver Nuggets, with Nikola Jokić’s all-around brilliance, made deep playoff pushes that shook up the conference hierarchy. I’ve always believed that depth matters just as much as star power—take the Nuggets, for instance, who leveraged their bench to win 54 games, a 9-win improvement from the previous year. It’s a lesson that applies to Santos’s situation: sometimes, giving lesser-known players more court time can yield unexpected rewards.
Beyond the top contenders, the 2019 season had its share of surprises and disappointments. The LA Clippers, for example, finished with a 48-34 record and took the Warriors to six games in the first round, showcasing a gritty, team-first approach that I absolutely loved. They didn’t have a superstar roster, but players like Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell off the bench provided sparks that many teams lacked. On the flip side, the Lakers struggled to a 37-45 finish, missing the playoffs despite LeBron James’s 27.4 points per game. In my view, their failure was partly due to poor roster construction and inconsistent rotations—a classic case of not maximizing available talent, much like the criticism Santos faced. It’s a reminder that in sports, having big names isn’t enough; you need cohesion and smart coaching to dominate.
Reflecting on the season’s data, the NBA’s overall scoring average hit 111.2 points per game, up from 108.6 the previous year, signaling a shift toward faster, more offensive-minded basketball. Teams like the Warriors and Rockets epitomized this trend, but I’d argue that defensive squads like the Utah Jazz, who allowed just 106.5 points per game, deserved more credit. Their 50-32 record might not scream dominance, but they laid the groundwork for future success. Personally, I lean toward appreciating balanced teams—those that don’t rely solely on offense or defense but adapt as needed. It’s why I found the Raptors’ championship so satisfying; they ranked fifth in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating, proving that versatility trumps one-dimensional excellence.
In conclusion, the 2019 NBA season was a masterclass in how teams can dominate through various paths—star power, depth, or strategic adjustments. The Raptors and Warriors may have stolen the spotlight, but stories like Santos’s remind us that behind every win or loss, there are decisions about who plays and who doesn’t. As I look back, I’m convinced that the most successful franchises are those that trust their players, much like Toronto did with Kawhi or Denver with Jokić. Sure, stats like the Warriors’ 57 wins or Harden’s scoring barrage are memorable, but it’s the human element—the minutes given, the risks taken—that truly defines a season. For me, 2019 wasn’t just about who won; it was about how they won, and that’s a lesson that resonates far beyond the court.