Yeah but it's not about individual matchups (although KD isn't that far behind LeBron at all). You have to look at the composition of their respective teams. Boston has the right pieces in place, save a #1 offensive option. Boston have perimeter defenders, playmakers, rebounders, perimeter shooters, and now an interior defensive presence. And they have Coach Stevens. You put Horford and KD on that team and it's night and day. That team transforms from a grinding, sum-of-its-parts team to a genuine title contender instantly. Cleveland, on the other hand, haven't really built their team, granted the team's the reigning champions. LeBron is getting older. Kyrie has definitely made strides in his game but leaves a lot to be desired defensively. Kevin Love is a shell of himself on offense and is clearly a defensive liability. Jefferson's an injury away from the glue factory. Tristan Thompson, as fine of an offensive rebounder as he is, CANNOT be relied on for 82+ games. Mozgov is gone. Coach Lue benefited from the circumstances. A repeat for Cleveland seems unlikely.
