In this interview segment, Draymond Green talks with Raptors forward Pascal Siakam about the pivotal moments of the 2019 NBA Finals and the aftermath of the Raptors' historic championship. Siakam describes the shock and fear that Kevin Durant’s return in Game 4 generated, noting Durant’s unstoppable shooting and the psychological impact on the Raptors. He reflects on the emotional journey of winning Toronto’s first NBA title, emphasizing the collective effort, the city’s excitement, and the lasting personal significance for players and fans. The conversation then shifts to the surprising departure of Kawhi Leonard two weeks after the championship, with Siakam expressing mixed feelings—sadness at losing a teammate but respect for Kawhi’s personal decision. Throughout, Siakam shares insights on guarding the Warriors’ elite lineup, the strategic mindset required, and the broader narrative of overcoming adversity. The interview concludes with Green prompting viewers to subscribe to the Volumes YouTube channel.
Chapters
—then we end up playing against each other in the NBA Finals. And we come into that series, Kevin Durant's out. You guys immediately take control of the series. Kevin Durant comes back in game 4. Game 3. Game 4.
Game 4. It might've been game 4.
Game 4. And when Kevin Durant comes back, I look up, 6 minutes to go on the clock. And we got 36 points. And I'm like, yo, it's 6 minutes to go in the first quarter. We got 36 points.
Yeah.
When you see Kevin Durant come back, he's clicking like that, we're clicking. What's the thought in your mind at that point?
Bro, I'm not gonna lie to you. So before the game, like, so you guys are working out and stuff like, and at first it was like, it was always like a debate, oh, is KD gonna play? Whatever, whatever. We get there and it's like, yo, like he's warming up. And I was like, all right, all right, bet. Like KD's here, he's playing. Like, it's a little like, all right, all right, man. Like we're not, we're not expecting this, but whatever. Like we're like, okay, we kind of like thinking still in our heads. Cause you know, like you said, we took control of the series. So in our heads we're thinking like the momentum is on us. Like we have the momentum, like we still good, you know, but we get in that game, bro. Like, oh my God. Like. Oh my God. I don't think KD, like, I don't think he touched the rim like one time. Like, I don't even think he touched the net. Like, he shot the ball and I don't think, like, I don't think it touched the net, bro. Like, it was just like straight, like, he was pulling from like whatever. That shit was like crazy, like water, like nothing. Like, so I'm like, I'm just like, yo, this is going to be a long night. Like, at that point, like literally, like if there was like any panic, like at any time, I think it would have been like that point. Like when KD like came back, cause it was just like, For us, like, we felt like we matched up well with you guys, you know what I mean? Like, and, and obviously, like, it's tough to guard, like, Klay, Steph, like, obviously with you, like, all the things, like, the movement, like, all your offense and everything that you guys do. And it's like, yo, it's crazy. But then you add KD that we would feel like, yo, like, he's really, like, unguardable, it feels like, because, like, some of the times, like, I hope that he misses, right? Like, you got to do your best and, like, challenge it the best that you can and just hope that it miss. So—
Absolutely.
For us it was just like, yo, like adding KD and the way he was playing, like he started that game, it was like, yeah, like it was a little, a little panic right there.
Nah, for sure. And then obviously Kevin gets hurt. Actually it's game, that's game 5 Kevin came back. 'Cause Kevin gets hurt in game 5. We go back to Golden State game 6. Klay gets hurt in game 6. And so, That was definitely game 5. But walk me through the feeling, you know, you guys eventually closed the series in game 6, going to the first championship for the Toronto Raptors, but your first championship. Walk me through that feeling of getting over that hump. And then you like, wow, like, wait, we're NBA champions. Walk me through that initial feeling. 'Cause I'll tell you something, for me personally, Obviously, I've been fortunate enough to win 4, and I'll tell you what, you win that first one and it's the most amazing thing in your life. You win the second one, third one, fourth one, and the most amazing thing to me after that is seeing the guys who win it for the first time.
Yeah.
So you got guys now on the team who hasn't won one, and like, you celebrate with those guys, and seeing the guys who won it the first time It's the most amazing thing. Talk to me, walk me through that feeling of winning that first championship.
Yeah, nah, like it was, it's crazy. Cause I just think that for us, like you said, like we've had that talk of like, oh yeah, the Raptors gonna go, they're gonna have a great regular season. They're not gonna do anything in the playoffs. So like we hear that all the time. And I heard it when I was with Kyle, DeMar, and all those guys. And obviously I was younger coming up, but that's all we heard. So I think I think you already have that in your mind. And I think for us, like, just winning was like, yo, like, this is like, we actually did it. You know what I mean? Like, and it wasn't just like, it was like a team where like everyone like kind of like played a part in like winning a championship. Like obviously you remember the Kawhi shot and all these different things, but like, you know, Milwaukee series, Fred coming back and hitting all those threes, you know, even in the finals against you guys, like, those 3, like me making the shot, like, you know, Mark, like Kyle, that first, that Game 6 coming up, like going crazy, you know, like that first quarter. You just think about all those moments, you know what I mean? Like, and it was just like amazing, bro. Like just like the hard work that you put in and just like that joy that you get from like knowing that you are the best team in the NBA. Like it's just incredible. And the other part of that is the city, like the country. Like, you know what I mean? It wasn't, it was just, it's like, okay, obviously like you win as the Warriors, right? Like San Francisco, everyone is happy and stuff, but imagine you won that and the whole US is like excited, you know? Like, so that's how—
Absolutely.
You know what I mean? Like a whole country is excited about it. Like people are going crazy. Like you hear, so till today, like I'm, I still hear stories of people being like, man, like that championship, I remember where I was. Like, I remember, like, you can't even, you don't even know what that brought to me, my family, like things like that. So I think that's just what makes it like so much sweeter.
Nah, I think that's amazing, man. And I always wonder about that feeling, which actually brings me to my next question because when it happened, I looked and I'm like, how can you walk away from that? Shortly after that, 2 weeks, not even, you get the news that Kawhi Leonard is leaving and going to the LA Clippers. Quite frankly, I'm not sure how you can walk away from having an entire, I mean, I feel like Kawhi would've owned Canada had he stayed. And you know, he walked away. What's the mindset then once you realize like, yo, we're losing Kawhi.
Yeah.
And not only are we losing Kawhi because, You know, when you look back at it, not often do you lose stars or people like that for nothing. And when you look back at it, like that was the deal. Like that was the risk. Like Masai makes the trade for Kawhi, he got one year left on his contract and you, you are risking him walking off, but ultimately in hopes that you get a championship. So you accomplished the goal.
Yep.
But on the flip side, you'd hope that the goal that you accomplished allows you to run it up a little longer. And then Kawhi leaves. What's the mindset once y'all find out that Kawhi is leaving and headed to the LA Clippers 2 weeks later?
I think, well, it's like mixed, right? Like I think at the end of the day, like for me it was just like, man, like if there's one person that I would see do that, it would be Kawhi. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like in my head, like that would be the only, like the one person that I'd be like, yo, like I can see him like, doing that because, you know, the way he conducts his business, the way he is, like all the things that he does, like it's always in like just like a particular way, you know what I mean? Like, so I think for me, I'm thinking like, man, like, and like, I don't think he can leave. But at the same time, like, yo, like it's Kawhi, right? Like Kawhi is going to expect it. He's going to do what he wants, like, and much power to him because I like, that's who he is as a person, you know what I mean? Like, that's how he's always been conducting anything. So obviously, like, you hurt because it's like, yo, like, what can we— like, we look at our team, it's like, yo, like, we can really do this. You know what I mean? I'm evolving. Fred is evolving. Everyone is getting like, you know what I mean? Like, it's growing into their own. And we're thinking like, yo, we can really build something special. And Kawhi leaves. So it was just like, man, like, this is— it was sad. Like, it hurt. But at the same time, like, I can't— like I said, like, I can only see Kawhi do that. You know what I mean? Like, and— Yeah. And it didn't really feel like, oh, you know, like, because I can see that happening. Like, I'm not totally like surprised by it, you know, at the same time.
So yeah. Did Kawhi make a mistake?
Did Kawhi make a mistake? I mean, I don't want to say he made a mistake. Like, that's crazy to say because, you know, like, at the end of the day, man, like, I think, as we all know, it's like, the man happiness and like being you know, doing what you wanna do and being in a place that was gonna make you the most happy. Like, that's the most important thing above all, you know? Like, I love Kawhi as a brother, someone that we won a championship together, but like, I will never like be like, "Oh, you made the wrong choice." You know what I mean? Just 'cause he made a choice that was good for him, you know? Like, and I respect it. But do I wish that— and I look at it in hindsight like, "Yo, like, if he was on our team, like, wow, we would look—" Yeah. You know, like, yeah, maybe it would look a little different, but I can't blame the man for making a decision for himself and his family.
What's up everybody? It's Draymond Green. Make sure you subscribe to the Volumes YouTube channel below so you don't miss any more of this great content going forward.
