(Don Nelson y’all)

We’re still shaking off the end of the season doldrums here at the beast lair, which has now moved thrice, this time to the tawny neighboring town of
Brookline , which in any other city would still be considered Boston. However, we are not like other cities and we are still the beast lair. It’s a state of mind . While we’ve taken a sojourn from hoops for a while – I do hope you’ve enjoyed the Palestinian Mickey Mouse- in the meantime we have collected a few thoughts on the ongoing NBA playoffs.

Here’s a few observations and awards.

Biggest disappointment: The Eastern Conference.

By far the also ran in this years playoff hunt. Whether it was Cleveland’s uninspired dispatching of a decimated Wizards team, a feckless and out of shape Miami Heat getting swept out by the Bulls (a year long hangover guys? Wow,
Antoine Walker can sure party), or the absolutely dreadful Pistons-Bulls series this has been a wash. However, if Chicago can force a Game 7 we might change our minds. On the other hand.

The hype was right: The Western Conference.

Ah, now that’s basketball. The amazing Mavericks/Warriors series, the Jazz/Rockets, the Jazz/Warriors, the Suns/Spurs were all great. This is the way it should be played fast, furious and bloody. Which brings us to.

The toughest guy in the league:

By far Steve Nash, that cut was plum nasty. Plus the fact that Nash stood his ground while Eva Longoria’s girlfriend rolled around on the floor just shows how balls out tough this guy is.

The lamest tough guy move:

A tie between LeBron James and Bruce bowen

LeBron James absolutely wins the Fugazi award for his half assed “So what’s up?” in your face to Mikki Moore. Get real man. Larry Bird would’ve kicked his ass if he really thought a guy was trying to hurt his teammate. It was a clean foul by Moore who I still can’t believe is in the playoffs. How many Christmas cards from stiffs does Jason Kidd get every year. Wow!

And Bruce Bowen’s bullshit kick in the calf of Stoudamire. Seriously, why isn’t D’Antoni sending in Pat Burke to end Bowen’s career, just straight up tackle him in the side of the knee. It’s time guys. I mean didn’t anybody see Showgirls?

My secret favorite team:

The Utah Jazz. I love these guys, great players, an awesome playmaker in Deron Williams, solid big men, Andre Kirilenko. They play smart basketball all the time. How did this happen, well maybe it was because of fans like this kid .

The new king of basketball

This goes to Don Nelson, who besides having the worst wardrobe in the league, also gained 15 pounds coaching, battled gout, and made every Celtcs fan think, “Maybe Tommy should come back and coach.” What a comeback by the big man. Let’s hope it didn’t take too much out of him.