I haven't looked but where are the cheats in ToP? I feel like the cheat never cared about that stat.
Not last.
Not saying it is the end all, nor that you have to be top 3 to have success. But completely disregarding its significance at the pro level will not ever work.
BB never would "care" about one single stat, yet behind the scenes he probably analyzes every stat.
More important than TOP is probably situational TOP. Like you mentioned, running quick plays late while winning is just outright arrogance or stupidity.