Looking back at the 2019 NBA voting results, I can't help but draw parallels to what we witnessed in international basketball that same year. While analyzing MVP races and All-NBA selections, I kept thinking about how team performances and individual brilliance often create these fascinating narratives that transcend different levels of competition. The Filipina ballers' journey particularly caught my attention - that 85-59 loss to Chinese Taipei last Wednesday could have broken many teams, but instead they bounced back beautifully to level their record at 1-1. It reminds me of how NBA players respond to adversity throughout the season.
When I dug into the 2019 MVP voting, Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominant performance stood out, but what really impressed me was how James Harden's historic scoring run made this one of the closest races in recent memory. The Greek Freak secured the award with his two-way dominance, but Harden's 36.1 points per game - that's the highest scoring average since Michael Jordan's legendary 1987 season. Personally, I thought both players had compelling cases, though I leaned slightly toward Giannis because of his defensive impact. The way he anchored Milwaukee's defense while putting up 27.7 points and 12.5 rebounds per game was just phenomenal.
The All-NBA selections that year sparked some heated debates among my colleagues and me. Seeing players like Kemba Walker make his first All-NBA team after that tough season with Charlotte felt particularly satisfying. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook's inclusion over Damian Lillard had many analysts scratching their heads - including myself. Westbrook averaged a triple-double for the third straight season, but Lillard's clutch performances and team success made him more deserving in my book. These voting results often reflect narratives as much as pure statistics, something that becomes evident when you follow the process year after year.
What fascinates me about player rankings is how they capture moments in time while telling broader stories about development and team chemistry. The Filipina national team's response to their 26-point defeat demonstrates this perfectly - that kind of resilience often separates good teams from great ones, whether we're talking about international basketball or the NBA. Their ability to regroup and secure a victory speaks volumes about their character, much like how NBA teams that overcome early-season struggles often make deep playoff runs.
The defensive player of the year race provided another interesting case study. Rudy Gobert claimed his second consecutive award, but I remember thinking Kawhi Leonard's perimeter defense might have been more valuable to his team's overall scheme. Gobert's presence in the paint was undeniable - Utah's defense collapsed whenever he sat - yet Leonard's ability to lock down opposing stars in crucial moments felt more impactful to me. These subjective elements make voting results so compelling year after year.
Reflecting on all these outcomes, I'm struck by how basketball at every level follows similar patterns. The Filipina team's journey from that tough loss to redemption mirrors how NBA players and teams navigate the long season. Individual awards matter, but what stays with me are these stories of perseverance and growth. The 2019 voting results gave us plenty to discuss, but beyond the statistics and rankings, it's these human elements that truly define each basketball season.
