Boston went on that West Coast trip a few weeks ago and lost those games and people started questioning if they could defend their title. I don't think anyone is questioning that now. I like Boston the best in the East, followed by Cleveland and I have Orlando third. The Lakers are the best in the West and San Antonio is second right now.
Boston leads the NBA in effort. Per minute, per game, per period, per capita, per KG's very profane instructions. And the C's just worked, worked, worked their tails off in this win. Every shot was contested, every extra pass was met with moving feet, and Orlando didn't know how to overcome this sort of intensity. Because they haven't had to, yet. And really, as much as the defense impressed, we expect that from Boston. It was the offense that got to me.