Wasn't sure if it was mentioned in here yet or not, but we were 20-12 last season as well. We then lost back to back games to the Hornets and Lakers so presuming we knock off the easier Sixers and Clippers, we could pull 2 games ahead of last year's pace in the next couple days. Amazing. I think the team is playing better now not in spite of having less players but BECAUSE we have less players. The roles are more defined, there is a clear pecking order, and everyone is finding their rhythm because they have more time on the court to do so. Plus, Juwan Howard is perfect center for this team. He can shoot, rebound, and pass incredibly well. And he's more of a complimentary player than a player who takes shots away from our superstar.
The difference was that we didn't have winning records or road wins against anyone that had a winning record. This season is so much better, IMO. I think we are pulling out wins when we are supposed to lose. We have a much easier end of season schedule then we had last season. I think the majority of our "hard times" are now. We play more "winning teams" in December and January then any other month. If we come out of those two months with a nice record, we are in good shape!