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Your replies so far are pro Houston will be a more successful team because they’re more talented but you’re not touching on how an iso offense is perfect for the playoffs. As recent playoff history has shown, it’s not difficult to stifle an iso offense because the offense becomes so predictable. That’s why the Toronto Raptors haven’t had success in the playoffs even though they’re always at the top of the Eastern Conference (largely an iso team w Derozan and, to a much lesser degree, Lowry). Same with John Wall and the Wizards. The list goes on and on. If Houston plays SA in the playoffs and you you give me a healthy Spurs team at over +500, id put 2u on that no questions askedRight but my point is that if you just have one guy doing it he's gonna wear down. Can't iso one guy for 48 minutes on every possession right? Paul is a brilliant iso player too. Harden has been much more efficient at the end of close games this year. I don't think it's a coincidence that it's the year Paul arrived. I think he gets more offensive possessions off now and is fresher at the end of games.
Cappella matters as much on defense as anything (and rebounding).
I'd also argue that the complimentary players are shooting the ball way better than the past (obviously Paul is a big reason why). When they iso Harden and he breaks down the defense off the dribble and they are forced to rotate, guys need to make shots. They have all season, and I don't have any reason to think that will stop in the playoffs.