[tuq]

Dear point differential-obsessed nerds: the stat is a pretty good indicator but not the end all/be all of predictive numbers. Here is a brief rundown of recent seasons and how the PD leaders fared:

2006: Spurs (lost in 2nd round), Pistons 0.1 behind (lost in EC finals to the Heat, who had the fifth best PD)

2005: Spurs (won title)

2004: Spurs (lost to the 6th place Lakers in the WCF)

2003: Mavericks (lost to Spurs in the WC finals)

2002: Kings (lost to Lakers in the WCF)

2001: Spurs (lost to Lakers in the WCF)

So once in the six seasons prior to last year did the season's PD leader win the title. Hey, I think it's a sexy stat too, but it isn't a fully accurate predictor of future results.