As for the Bucks, they've won eight of their last 11 games and are continuing to do a great job of turning their season around despite their sputtering 2-8 start. Giannis Antetokounmpo has emphasized that the difference is simple: The team now trusts each other.

The Oklahoma City Thunder regain the top spot in The Arizona Republic's recent NBA power rankings after defeating the previous No. 1, Cleveland.

It’ll be interesting to see which identity is able to better sustain success once the postseason is here. Throw in the possibility of a rematch in the NBA Finals, and how either team adjusts away from its identity could be the difference between winning it all or being disappointed by season’s end.

The Cavaliers outlasted the Thunder in their previous matchup a week prior — a matchup that turned into an instant classic. The highly promoted rematch wasn’t nearly as entertaining — unless, of course,