The defense looks better for a couple reasons.
1. It's the Pacers
2. Rondo looks back up to speed and unhindered
3. Bradleys ball pressure is unbelievaable considering how much time he's missed
4. Lee has also been playing some inspired defense
5. Sullinger has benefited from the better perimeter defense immensely as it takes a lot of pressure of him doing rotations and picking up the man off him. He's been able to put more energy into rebounding and boxing out his man.
Also another thing to note is the lineups.
Rondo - Bradley - Pierce - Sullinger - KG
that lineup has been brilliant. but also...
Bradley - Lee - Pierce - KG - Collins
has been a pretty good lineup as well with some stout defense.
Really Rondo-Bradley-Pierce-KG with any combination of Sullinger, Bass, and maybe Green/Collins is going to be our best lineup. Kind of leaves Terry hanging out to dry but that's just how it is. We can't go THAT small with Rondo-Terry-Bradley-Pierce-KG.