or protect the rim. They got by by being switchable on defense and making tons of 3s.
This year’s team is much better down low, and can scrap for rebounds on both ends much better. Unfortunately, the 3 ball is almost nonexistent for this year’s team, plus they turn the ball over a lot.
In a 7 game series I think last years team would win in 6. This years team could win a couple games through rebounding and points in the paint (4 players shooting over 50% FG), especially if last year’s team goes cold from 3.