Tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers will almost certainly try to snap a six-game winless streak missing their best player, All-Star forward LeBron James, who is still sidelined with a left adductor strain.

In sharp contrast to the Lakers, L.A.’s opponent in the game, the Brooklyn Nets, has been thriving despite the absence of one of their supposed All-Star players.

The Brooklyn Nets are 4-1 since head case Kyrie Irving was suspended indefinitely for distributing an anti-Semitic film online. The punishment was originally set to last five games with an option for more, and today will be game six without the veteran point guard. Kevin Durant, the Nets’ All-NBA forward, may be able to recover what appeared to be a lost season.

So, what changed now that Kyrie isn’t there?

The Nets’ defense has improved dramatically without Kyrie Irving, going from dreadful to very excellent. According to status, Brooklyn has held opponents to 91.2 points per game in five games without Irving. The Nets allowed 118.8 points per game when Irving was available.