Looks like last year's playoff where Spurs played Dallas in 2nd round made a difference to Stern. This year there will be a new format. The three division winners and the team with the best overall record of the remaining teams are awarded the top four seeds based on records. In the case of last year, Dallas would have been the 2nd seed ahead of two division winners.
Well, last season Denver was tied for the 8th worst record in the league ...yet they were seeded 3rd. What would have happened if they had the 9th worst record? Coupled with Dallas playing SA in the 2nd round also sucked. This is definately a good move.