2018–19 NBA season
the 16th of October 2018 marked the start of the 73rd season for the National Basketball Association. The regular schedule ran until the 10th of April 2019. Fans watched the playoffs begin on April 13 and conclude with a championship series in June. On June 13, the Toronto Raptors defeated the defending champion Golden State Warriors to win the title. This victory ended a long drought for the Canadian franchise. The league had grown significantly since its founding decades earlier. Television contracts with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV continued through this period. These nine-year deals ensured broad national coverage for every game.
Manu Ginóbili announced his retirement from the NBA on the 27th of August 2018. He spent all 16 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs franchise. Chris Bosh retired on the 26th of March 2019 after playing 13 years across two teams. His career paused in February 2016 due to recurring blood clots in his lungs and legs. Vince Carter played until he became the oldest player to score 20-plus points at 41 years and 337 days old. Richard Jefferson also hung up his jersey after 17 seasons with eight different teams. David West retired following 15 seasons in the league. Boris Diaw left basketball entirely after spending 14 years in the NBA. These departures signaled a major shift in team rosters and leadership roles.
The Toronto Raptors fired head coach Dwane Casey on the 11th of May 2018. They promoted assistant Nick Nurse to lead the team into the new season. The Atlanta Hawks parted ways with Mike Budenholzer on the 25th of April 2018. Lloyd Pierce took over as their new head coach shortly after. The Orlando Magic dismissed Frank Vogel on the 12th of April 2018. Steve Clifford replaced him later that summer. The Cleveland Cavaliers fired Tyronn Lue after an 0, 6 start to the regular season. Larry Drew became the permanent replacement by the 5th of November 2018. Multiple franchises changed leaders during the offseason and throughout the year. These shifts reflected high expectations for playoff success.
The Washington Wizards played the New York Knicks at the O2 Arena in London on the 17th of January 2019. The Orlando Magic hosted two games in Mexico City against the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz in December. Several teams moved to brand-new home arenas this season. The Golden State Warriors played their final game at Oracle Arena on the 13th of June 2019 before relocating to San Francisco. The Milwaukee Bucks began play at Fiserv Forum on the 19th of October 2018. The Toronto Raptors renamed their venue Scotiabank Arena on the 1st of July 2018. The Atlanta Hawks unveiled State Farm Arena following a $192.5 million renovation. These changes brought modern facilities to fans across North America and abroad.
Klay Thompson made 14 three-pointers in a single game against the Chicago Bulls on the 29th of October 2018. He also attempted 24 threes that night, setting another record. Russell Westbrook recorded his 108th triple-double by the 5th of December 2018. Vince Carter became the oldest player to score 20-plus points at 41 years old. Dirk Nowitzki reached his 21st season with the Dallas Mavericks on the 13th of December 2018. James Harden scored 30 or more points against all 29 other teams during the year. Lou Williams set an NBA record for scoring at least 30 points as a reserve player. These achievements highlighted the evolving style of play and individual excellence.
Giannis Antetokounmpo won Most Valuable Player honors from the Milwaukee Bucks. Luka Dončić took Rookie of the Year awards after joining the Dallas Mavericks. Rudy Gobert earned Defensive Player of the Year recognition from Utah. The All-NBA First Team included Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, Nikola Jokić, Stephen Curry, and James Harden. Mike Budenholzer was named Coach of the Year for leading the Milwaukee Bucks. Jon Horst received Executive of the Year for his work in Wisconsin. Lou Williams claimed Sixth Man of the Year after averaging strong numbers off the bench. Pascal Siakam won Most Improved Player for his growth with Toronto. These accolades celebrated top performers across every position.
Common questions
When did the 2018-19 NBA season start and end?
The 73rd NBA season began on the 16th of October 2018 and concluded with a championship series in June. The regular schedule ran until the 10th of April 2019 before fans watched the playoffs begin on April 13.
Who won the 2018-19 NBA championship and when was it decided?
The Toronto Raptors defeated the defending champion Golden State Warriors to win the title on June 13. This victory ended a long drought for the Canadian franchise during the 2018-19 NBA season.
Which players retired from the NBA during the 2018-19 season?
Manu Ginóbili announced his retirement from the NBA on the 27th of August 2018 after spending all 16 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs franchise. Chris Bosh retired on the 26th of March 2019 after playing 13 years across two teams while Vince Carter played until he became the oldest player to score 20-plus points at 41 years old.
What head coaching changes occurred in the 2018-19 NBA season?
The Toronto Raptors fired head coach Dwane Casey on the 11th of May 2018 and promoted assistant Nick Nurse to lead the team into the new season. The Atlanta Hawks parted ways with Mike Budenholzer on the 25th of April 2018 and the Orlando Magic dismissed Frank Vogel on the 12th of April 2018 before Steve Clifford replaced him later that summer.
Where did the Washington Wizards play a game during the 2018-19 NBA season?
The Washington Wizards played the New York Knicks at the O2 Arena in London on the 17th of January 2019. The Orlando Magic also hosted two games in Mexico City against the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz in December as part of international scheduling for the 2018-19 NBA season.