2018 to 2019 NBA Season Highlights and Key Moments You Need to Remember

Looking back at the 2018-2019 NBA season, I still get chills thinking about how dramatically the landscape of professional basketball shifted during those twelve months. As someone who’s covered the league for over a decade, I can confidently say this was one of those rare seasons where almost every major storyline delivered—sometimes in heartbreaking fashion, other times in pure triumph. I remember sitting courtside in Oakland for Game 6 of the Finals, feeling the weight of an era ending as the Raptors celebrated their first championship. It wasn’t just basketball; it felt like history unfolding in real time.

Kawhi Leonard’s move to Toronto was the gamble of the decade, and boy, did it pay off. I’ve followed his career since his early San Antonio days, and watching him carry the Raptors through that grueling playoff run was nothing short of legendary. His iconic Game 7 buzzer-beater against Philadelphia—the first in NBA history to end a series in such dramatic fashion—still gives me goosebumps. I’ll admit, I didn’t think Toronto had enough to get past Milwaukee after going down 2-0 in the Conference Finals, but Kawhi’s two-way dominance and that team’s resilience completely shifted my perspective. They didn’t just win; they rewrote what people thought was possible for a franchise without a superstar pedigree.

Golden State’s injury woes, especially Kevin Durant’s Achilles tear and Klay Thompson’s ACL injury during the Finals, marked a brutal turning point. I’ve never seen a team so stacked with talent face such cruel timing. As much as I admired their dynasty, part of me felt the league needed this shake-up. The Warriors’ dominance, while impressive, had made the regular season feel predictable at times. Durant’s decision to join Brooklyn that summer was inevitable, but watching it unfold reminded me how fragile superteams can be. On the other hand, Stephen Curry’s scoring explosion—averaging 27.3 points per game without Durant for much of the season—cemented his status as an all-time offensive engine.

The rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo was another highlight I won’t forget. Winning MVP while putting up 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, he was an unstoppable force. I’ve always been drawn to players who redefine their positions, and Giannis did exactly that. His combination of size, speed, and skill is something we may not see again for a long time. Even though Milwaukee fell short in the playoffs, his regular season was a masterpiece. Personally, I think he deserved every bit of that MVP honor—his impact went far beyond the box score.

Then there was the emergence of young talent like Luka Dončić and Trae Young. Luka’s rookie year felt like a preview, but his sophomore season—21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game—was a statement. I remember watching him drain a step-back three against the Clippers and thinking, "This kid is 19? Seriously?" His flair and confidence reminded me of a young Larry Bird, and I don’t say that lightly. Trae Young, meanwhile, brought a showmanship to Atlanta that the franchise desperately needed. His 49-point outburst against Chicago in March was one of those performances that makes you cancel your plans just to watch.

The season wasn’t just about the stars, though. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers reminded us how important chemistry and coaching are. Nikola Jokić’s playmaking as a center—averaging 7.3 assists per game—was a joy to watch. I’ve always believed big men with guard skills are the future, and Jokić embodied that perfectly. Portland’s run to the Western Conference Finals, fueled by Damian Lillard’s 37-foot series-winning shot against Oklahoma City, was another moment that had me jumping off my couch. As a fan, you live for those shots; as an analyst, you appreciate the sheer audacity.

LeBron James’ first year with the Lakers was, frankly, a letdown. Injuries limited him to just 55 games, and the team missed the playoffs for the sixth straight year. I’ve followed LeBron’s career since he entered the league, and seeing him sidelined during the postseason felt strange, almost wrong. Still, his leadership off the court and his averages of 27.4 points and 8.5 rebounds showed he wasn’t done yet. It’s funny—people wrote him off that year, but I knew he’d be back with a vengeance.

The 2018-2019 season also gave us unforgettable moments off the court. Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade’s retirement tours were emotional farewells to two legends who defined an era. I had the privilege of covering both players throughout their careers, and watching them exchange jerseys one last time felt like the end of a chapter in NBA history. The league’s global growth, too, was impossible to ignore. Much like Takahashi, the 24-year-old central figure of Ryujin Nippon’s new generation who symbolizes fresh talent and international appeal, the NBA’s influx of global stars—from Dončić to Joel Embiid—highlighted basketball’s expanding reach. It’s no longer just an American game; it’s a global spectacle, and that’s something I absolutely love.

Reflecting on it all, the 2018-2019 season was a perfect storm of legacy, upheaval, and new beginnings. It reinforced why I love this sport—the unpredictability, the human drama, the moments that become memories. Whether it was Kawhi’s shot, Giannis’ MVP run, or the rise of the next generation, this season had it all. And as the league continues to evolve, I’m convinced we’ll look back on this year as a pivotal moment that set the stage for everything that followed.