Brian ChunIt's that time of year. A sad time for NBA fans. It is the close of the 2018 to 2019 NBA season. But with the close of another season comes the opportunity to review some of the season's most noticeable and notable players. We are going to take a look at players whose star shined a little brighter than their teammates’ during playoff and season games.
So, sit back, grab your favorite game-watching drink and snack, and relive the 2018 to 2019 season with these star players.
Toronto Raptors – Kawhi Leonard
Being allowed to play in only 60 games during regular season play, the team was cautious with Leonard. But when he suited up he was excellent. He averaged 7.3 rebounds and a career-high 26.6 points. On both ends of the court, Leonard was outstanding, averaging 30.5 points. Against the 76ers, he helped make NBA history with a game seven buzzer-beater shot. He helped lead the Raptors, for the first time in team history, to the NBA finals.
Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo
This player had an incredible season, and in December 2018, turned just 24 years of age. Imagine the promising career this guy can have! Is there a possible MVP award in his future? During the regular season, he helped the Bucks to an NBA-high 60 wins averaging 1.3 steals, 1.5 blocks, 5.9 assists, 12.5 rebounds, and career-high 27.7 points.
Houston Rockets – James Harden
Harden gets to the free-throw line frequently because he creates a lot of contact. Averaging 36.1 points per game, he finished the season with the highest scoring average in over three decades. (Only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan have beaten that.)
Golden State Warriors – Stephan Curry and Kevin Durant
While not MVP great, Curry did manage to average 4.0 threes, 5.2 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 27.3 points in the regular season. How important was he? The team went only five and seven during his 11 game absence.
While Durant was off the court with injuries for a while, prior to that, his postseason was terrific with an average of 1.0 blocks, 1.2 steals, 2.9 threes, 4.9 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 34.2 points. Hopefully he'll get healthy soon.
Portland Trailblazers – Damian Lillard
For the first time in 19 years, the Trailblazers advanced to the Western Conference Finals thanks, in part, to Lillard. He averaged 2.4 steals, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 three, 6.0 assists, and 33 points in the first round of the playoffs.
Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic
In the Western Conference, Nikola helped his Nuggets win 54 games. He averaged 1.4 steals, 7.3 assists, 10.8 rebounds, and 20.1 points in the regular season. His playoff performance was equally, if not more, impressive.
Oklahoma Thunder – Paul George
Ranking second best in the NBA, George averaged 20.0 points per game. He averaged 2.2 steals, 3.8 threes, 4.1 assists, 8.2 rebounds, and 28.0 points in the playoffs. Looks like that 2014 leg injury has healed up completely.
Philadelphia 76ers – Joel Embiid
Joel averaged 1.9 blocks, 3.7 assists, 13.6 rebounds, and 27.5 points during the regular season. Unfortunately for Joel and his team, the Toronto Raptors eliminated the 76ers in the second round of the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers – Lebron James
Even though his team missed the playoffs, and he only participated in 55 games, this mention comes as no surprise to anyone. Averaging 8.3 assists, 8.5 rebounds, and 27.4 points, he still made an impressive showing for the season. In December, Lebron will be 35 years old. He's healthy and could still have productive years in his future.
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