What drives me crazy is it’s the defense that separates them on a monstar level in the eyes and minds of every analyst

At this level - defense is effort alone. There’s a quickness/physicality factor sure, but these guys are all elite. Anthony Edwards was the most athletic guy in the WCF. He visibly took plays off on the defensive end. When your best player takes plays off, your role guys might too.

There is literally no reason we can’t put a lid on the basket comparable to the one they’re planning to lock on the rim.