It looks like O'Brien was right about one thing, defense is the difference.
It's strange how much this teams offense is predicated on it's defense.
I think it's a matter of focus, which is a necessity for good defense. If
you're good enough, you can do offense to some degree on talent alone,
but good defense requires focus because it's reactive and anticipatory
rather than freewheeling creative for the most part. So when they tighten
up on defense, it gets them more focused and concentrating on fundamental
things rather than showboating. Which carries over.