Last years Eastern conference was the culmination of 3 or 4 years of the lack of parody between the East and the West. Last years EC winner, the Cavs would have lost to Houston, and possibly a few other teams besides being destroyed by the Warriors. Even with Lebron still playing at a high level on the Cavs.
Finally, this year through the signing of free agents, a trade or two, and the maturing of a few young stars, the East is nearing the talent level of the West, while still lagging behind.