In 2019, the Toronto Raptors achieved a historic victory by winning Canada’s first-ever <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA championship, concluding a postseason that ended the Golden State Warriors’ dominant era. The series was notably affected by injuries, as the Warriors played most of the Finals without Kevin Durant, whose return late in the series created a dramatic shift and sent a wave of apprehension through the Raptors’ ranks. This unexpected comeback highlighted the intense competitiveness surrounding the Kevin Durant 2019 NBA Finals.
Since Kevin Durant joined the Warriors, the team had become nearly unstoppable, securing two championships in his first two seasons there. A third consecutive title would have matched the feat last accomplished by the early 2000s Los Angeles Lakers. However, Durant’s calf injury during the second-round series against the Houston Rockets sidelined him for the Western Conference Finals and the first four games of the Finals, giving the Raptors an opportunity many believed tilted the odds in their favor.
How Durant’s Absence and Return Impacted the Series
The Warriors, missing Durant, fell behind 1-3, providing the Raptors a strong advantage heading into Game 5 in Toronto, where the title victory seemed imminent for Canada’s team. But everything changed when Durant came back on the court, instantly raising the stakes. This return rattled the Raptors, with Serge Ibaka, a former teammate of Durant, revealing the emotional and mental effect his comeback had on Toronto’s players.
On the Hello and Welcome podcast, Ibaka admitted,
“But I didn’t know what to think during that time.”
He explained that despite his usual embrace of pressure, Durant’s presence was daunting. Ibaka further acknowledged Durant’s lethal talent, saying,
“That’s Kevin Durant, man. Easy money. He’s a killer,”
reflecting the respect he holds for Durant’s skills on the court. Their history as teammates with the Oklahoma City Thunder gave Ibaka firsthand insight into Durant’s game-changing capabilities.
Durant made an immediate impact in Game 5, scoring 11 points quickly, including several three-pointers, before suffering a devastating Achilles injury that not only shifted the series but also affected his career trajectory. The Warriors’ injury woes deepened when Klay Thompson tore his ACL in Game 6, further weakening Golden State. Despite these setbacks, the Raptors clinched their first NBA title, and Ibaka secured his own championship milestone in the process.
Inside the Conversation Between Ibaka and Durant About the Finals
The lingering question over what might have happened if Durant had stayed healthy during those Finals continues to fuel debate among fans and analysts. In his YouTube series How Hungry Are You?, Ibaka engaged Durant in a candid discussion about the hypothetical outcome of the 2019 NBA Finals. Their differing views sparked a respectful back-and-forth about the series’ outcome.
Ibaka asked Durant whether he thought the Warriors would have won if he had avoided the Achilles injury. Durant’s assertion was clear and confident, responding
“For sure,”
signaling his belief in his team’s chances. Ibaka, however, stood firm on the Raptors’ strength, recalling their resilience throughout the playoffs, remarking,
“We were like a fire. Nobody could stop us.”
Toronto had indeed endured tough battles, including a seven-game series win against the Philadelphia 76ers and overcoming an early 2-0 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Milwaukee Bucks. These challenges made the Raptors battle-tested and hardened heading into the Final showdown. Still, Durant maintained his stance, emphasizing his own critical role by stating,
“I could. I was like sub-zero,”
underlining his confidence in his ability to change the series’ trajectory.
Ultimately, Ibaka and Durant agreed to disagree about the outcome but retained mutual respect for one another. This exchange highlights the fine margins in championship basketball, where injuries and moments can redefine legacies.
Significance of the 2019 Championship and What It Means Going Forward
While controversies around Durant’s injury have cast some doubt over the 2019 title, every NBA championship season carries its own challenges and “what-ifs.” The Raptors’ victory stands as a testament to their skill, perseverance, and ability to seize the moment. For Ibaka, the triumph was a personal milestone, representing his first NBA championship.
Kevin Durant’s painful injury not only altered the Finals but signaled a turning point in his career, while the Raptors cemented their place in NBA history. The 2019 NBA Finals remain a key chapter for both Durant and Ibaka, embodying the uncertainty and fierce competition that define professional basketball at the highest level.