The last 2 NBA champions

[Mak]

On that note, while defense is obviously very important, something easier to quantify quickly is just flat out above-average efficiency and production. The defense,lineups,  gameplan, etc can all become easier and improved if there are at least players on the roster producing positively. 


The Bucks had 5 players each logging over 1,000 minutes over the regular+post season with a Player Efficiency Rating above average:

-Giannis
-Holiday
-Middleton
-Portis
-Lopez 

With the exception of Portis, the other 4 were also the main starters and leaders in minutes. 


In Dallas we had 3 players meeting the same criteria:

-Luka
-Powell
-Brunson

And essentially only Luka was a main starter and leader in minutes.