How were Trae and Harden able to win games against this Celtics but KD couldn’t last year
That series looks more embarrassing as the day goes by
The Celtics defense isn't as good as it was last season for starters, but I think more to that point is that Trae and Harden are both better with the ball in their hands, and while we certainly know of their flaws, they're still better at generating offense in that manner, whereas we all saw anytime that KD tried to drive or put the ball on the floor he was food for the Celtics defense.
This has always been an issue for KD in the playoffs when teams are able to scheme for him, especially when he doesn't have a lead guard to initiate the offense, but it's exposed even more now in his mid-30s.