OAKLAND — There’s something missing from the national conversations and narratives surrounding the NBA playoffs, and, frankly, it blows my mind.
After all, it’s present on every single possession.
Folks, we need to start talking about defense.
As much as the postseason is a moment for shot creators and shot takers, a basket prevented is as good as a basket made.
And while defense isn’t sexy, and most people don’t fully understand its nuances, it’s what separates good teams from real championship contenders.
We saw that — clear as day — in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals Tuesday night.