Actually, the team has done better without the starters. And my comment about the walking wounded stands. Peja is far from totally healthy. SAR still has his jaw wired shut, which will restrict his breathing. In addition, his stamina has to be down because he hasn't been able to eat meaning he's lost some weight, etc.
The word inconsistency is being through around way too much, IMHO. Of course the team has been inconsistent. That happens when you have injuries to starters, a bench that had been totally ineffective, undersized players at key positions, etc. I would be more surprised if they had been consistent than I am at their inconsistency.
It's about product right now. The product we've seen the past couple of games isn't going to win the playoffs; they won't bring the O'Brien trophy to Sacramento this year; they aren't going to be remembered 30 years from now. BUT what they have done is restore a little bit of pride in themselves and they've given the fans at least a little reason to cheer again. And that's something.
Actually, it's a LOT.