Orlando is doing better this year because they've bought into playing defense. It's what has allowed them to stay close in games and beat some teams that are better than them on paper. Also Paolo Banchero is turning into a really good player in his second year in the league. They have some nice young players surrounding him but he is the engine that makes that team go.
Good points here. Defense wins games & championships.
ORL played a ton of very close games & OTs last yr/2 at home.
Ex: GS had one of the best defense in the league when they won their crown.
now, they're a shell of former selves (10-11) hoping to outscore teams by lobbing 3s.