With today's game I am totally convinced that we have the talent to put up a tough fight in any game, despite the lack of height and the short bench.
That said, I am also reminded of the many frustrations of the first 2 (and even 3) years with the Amigos. There were so many times when it seemed like a McNeal turnover cost us the game, or we just couldn't hold on to a decent lead. Like deer in headlights, we too often froze and couldn't execute at the end. Sure, there were other times when we were able to shock someone, but those early years were tough on the heart.
So, I am convinced of the need for a combination of both talent and experience. We had it last year, and that's why we didn't see the number of collapses at the end of games as we had in prior years. I think that's what we're seeing this year. We don't have the wisdom and toughness that comes with 2-3 years of BEast experience. Lazar showed glimpses of saying that, but can't do it himself.
Bottom line, the season will continue to be a roller coaster ride, a tough one on the heart. But the talent is there, and the experience is coming. (Plus more talent next year!)