The biggest difference between Howard's teammates and those of James when he was leading a solo team effort is that Howard's teammates are genuine 'team players'.
It's not that James's teammates were bad. Speaking individually, the players the Cavaliers spent big money on were mostly stronger than the role players on the Magic team. But in Cleveland, the Cavaliers either signed overpriced and unsuitable players or aging stars, and most were former top scorers and tactical cores. Very few could really focus on playing the role of role players... they spent their money unwisely.
Grinding defensive play is a strategy that harms the enemy at the cost of self-damage. If your own side's shooting touch decreases faster or the opponents adjust well first, it won't be just that; the thousand points of damage might turn on you.
Facing the Magic team, which is at its peak, the Bobcats dug a hole for themselves with tonight's game strategy.
