While you have a point, group C also proved the exact opposite.
Let's ignore the fact Orlando pushed their point differential to the max the game b4 against the Celtics. And let's pretend Celtics lost to the Bulls.
The premise to your argument is that the Nets would then easily beat Toronto by more than 14 and finish 1st.
The Nets tried. And failed. They beat Toronto only by 12.
What Group C proved to us on the last night was that while 2 teams were racing for point differential against the resting team, one succeeded, but the other failed.
The lesson learned for future seasons is that teams got to play all 4 group games for points and not leave it to their last game.
If the team is disciplined enough to do it all 4 games, it's no longer unfair, regardless of whether it resting the last round
While you have a point, group C also proved the exact opposite.
Let's ignore the fact Orlando pushed their point differential to the max the game b4 against the Celtics. And let's pretend Celtics lost to the Bulls.
The premise to your argument is that the Nets would then easily beat Toronto by more than 14 and finish 1st.
The Nets tried. And failed. They beat Toronto only by 12.
What Group C proved to us on the last night was that while 2 teams were racing for point differential against the resting team, one succeeded, but the other failed.
The lesson learned for future seasons is that teams got to play all 4 group games for points and not leave it to their last game.
If the team is disciplined enough to do it all 4 games, it's no longer unfair, regardless of whether it resting the last round