1. "the #1 seed has real value." In response to In response to 0
This does not bode well for their team purpose/mantra. You start the season by properly setting out a goal for the top seed, then you backtrack at the very end of the season with that goal within a .5 game grasp.
I truly believe home-court advantage determined that IND-MIA series last year, and it may very well determine the victor again this year.