2019 North’s First: Kawhi Leads Raptors to Top

In 2019, Canada got its basketball throne. Kawhi Leonard was traded from San Antonio to Toronto in summer 2018, and in just one season led the northern club to the Finals, beating the Warriors—without Durant and with Thompson hurt—4-2.

It was the Raptors’ first title (since 1995) and the NBA’s first by a non-U.S. team. Leonard’s two-way mastery made him the uncontested Finals MVP.

The title also made him one of few to win FMVP with different franchises. Yet after winning, Kawhi left for the Clippers, freezing the "North hero" story at a perfect season.

When Kawhi lifted the trophy, all of Toronto roared—a night for Canada.

Related Reading

• 2019 NBA Finals MVP: Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors)
• 2014 NBA Finals MVP: Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)
• We The North: A Deep Dive Into the 2019 Championship
• Leonard Deserves Finals MVP
• Kawhi Leonard 2019: Spiritual Role Model and the Relentless Foundation