I think it has more to do with continuity and building around your core. Conley, TA, Zbo and Gasol have played together for so long that the game just comes so easy to them now. They know where the other is going to be on the floor, they know how each player will defend, etc. You can easily see the chemistry between them in games. Its at the point where Zbo is looking like one hell of a passer because he knows his teammates.
And you also cannot underestimate how well Marc is playing. He may not be a traditional superstar big man, but he's playing like the best center in the game right now and a top 10 player in the league. He's not Lebron, Durant or AD, but he's up there. Memphis never had this type of Gasol in previous seasons and I believe that's one of the bigger differences in this season and previous seasons. Conley may not be the flashy PG that people hype up, but he's still one of the best PG's in the game right now. Zbo is ZBo. He's declining, but he's still a double-double machine. Those 3 playing at their current level along with a balanced roster will definitely make a huge difference. They are trying to emulate the Spurs.