Relive the Most Exciting 2019 NBA Games with These Unforgettable Highlights

2025-11-17 11:00

I still get chills thinking about that incredible 2019 NBA season - what a rollercoaster of emotions it was! As someone who's followed basketball religiously for over fifteen years, I've witnessed countless memorable moments, but there's something particularly special about that year's games that keeps me coming back to the highlights. What made 2019 stand out wasn't just the superstar performances or dramatic playoff finishes, but how the entire season felt like a celebration of basketball's evolution, where size, skill, and strategy converged in spectacular fashion.

I remember watching the draft combine that year and being absolutely fascinated by the physical measurements coming out. When I saw that Geo Chiu measured at 6-foot-9 with an 82-inch arm span and 107-inch standing reach, it immediately reminded me of how the game continues to evolve. Those measurements aren't just numbers on a page - they represent the incredible physical tools that modern NBA players bring to the court. Watching Giannis Antetokounmpo dominate throughout the season with his own extraordinary wingspan, or seeing Rudy Gobert control the paint with his reach, really drove home how these physical attributes translate directly to game-changing moments.

Let me take you back to one of my personal favorite games from that season - the Christmas Day clash between the Lakers and Clippers. What made that game so compelling wasn't just the star power on display, but how Kawhi Leonard used every inch of his 7-foot-3 wingspan to disrupt the Lakers' offense in the fourth quarter. I recall watching him deflect what seemed like a certain LeBron James pass with those long arms, leading to a fast break that essentially sealed the game. Those defensive highlights don't always make the top ten plays, but for basketball purists like myself, they're just as thrilling as any dunk.

The Raptors' championship run provided some of the most unforgettable basketball I've ever witnessed. Game 6 of the Finals particularly stands out in my memory - that sequence where Fred VanVleet hit those crucial three-pointers while Pascal Siakam used his length to bother Warriors shooters was absolute basketball poetry. Speaking of length, I can't help but think how players like Siakam, with his 7-foot-3 wingspan, represent the new prototype of versatile big men who can guard multiple positions while creating offensive mismatches. When you combine that with the shooting prowess we saw throughout the playoffs, it's no wonder that teams are constantly searching for these unique physical specimens.

Regular season games often get overlooked when we talk about memorable moments, but I'll never forget that March matchup between the Rockets and Warriors where James Harden dropped 41 points. What made that performance special was how he used his strength and reach advantage against smaller defenders, creating just enough space to get his shot off against tight defense. It's these individual battles within the game that truly showcase how physical measurements translate to on-court success. When I compare Harden's ability to create separation with those draft combine numbers we see year after year, it becomes clear why teams place such importance on these physical attributes.

The playoffs that year were particularly telling about how the game was evolving. Watching the Bucks' system work to perfection, with Brook Lopez using his 7-foot-5 wingspan to protect the rim while still stretching the floor, was a masterclass in modern basketball strategy. As someone who's studied basketball analytics for years, I've always believed that effective length - that combination of height, wingspan, and standing reach - matters more than raw height alone. The success of players like Draymond Green, who's "undersized" by traditional standards but dominates with his 7-foot-1 wingspan and incredible defensive instincts, proves this point beautifully.

What I find most fascinating looking back at that season is how teams were beginning to fully embrace positionless basketball. The most successful teams weren't necessarily the ones with the most talent, but those who best utilized players with unique physical tools in creative ways. Toronto's use of Siakam as a point forward, Milwaukee's deployment of Giannis as a primary ball-handler, and Houston's small-ball lineups all demonstrated this shift. When I watch those highlights now, I can see the blueprint for today's game taking shape - where every player needs to be versatile enough to handle multiple responsibilities on both ends of the court.

The drama of that season extended beyond the court too, with the Anthony Davis trade saga creating ripple effects throughout the league. As frustrating as it was for Pelicans fans (and I spoke with many who were heartbroken), it highlighted how valuable elite big men with unique physical profiles had become. Davis's combination of height, wingspan, and skill represented the holy grail of player development - the template that every team was desperately trying to replicate through the draft and player development programs.

Reflecting on all these moments, what strikes me most is how 2019 served as a perfect bridge between traditional basketball and the modern game. We still had legendary performances from veterans like LeBron and Steph, while simultaneously witnessing the rise of a new generation of players who embodied this positionless, versatile ideal. The physical measurements we obsess over during draft season - like those remarkable numbers from Geo Chiu - aren't just abstract statistics. They represent the raw material that gets shaped into the breathtaking highlights we still rewatch years later. Every time I go back to watch those 2019 games, I discover new nuances and appreciate how that season fundamentally changed how basketball is played and appreciated.