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By M.J. Darnell

The Lawrence Frank Love Fest

There is no room left on the Lawrence Frank bandwagon. There are constant calls for him to be named the Nets' permanent head coach. The media is in love with him. He's the most popular thing in New Jersey since they invented the neon lights that go around a car's license plate.

So while Frank and the Nets are getting crazy love, let's take a nostalgic look back at the streak of 13. How impressive was it? Let's find out. We'll go game by game, and see just what they accomplished.. Wins 1 through 13 for the Nets in the Lawrence Frank era:

1. @Philadelphia - Without Allen Iverson

2. @Orlando - Healthy, but... they're the Magic.

3. @Houston - Quality win on the road against a Western Conference playoff team.

4. @New Orleans - Without Baron Davis

5. Miami - Not a great team, and without Dwayne Wade

6. Orlando - Without Tracy McGrady

7. Philadelphia - Healthy, but again... not such a good team.

8. Detroit - Quality win over an Eastern Conference contender, albeit a slumping one.

9. @Cleveland - Healthy, but... a game the Nets should win.

10. Atlanta - Their first game after completely stripping their already bad team.

11. @Toronto - Without Vince Carter and Jalen Rose

12. New Orleans - Quality win over an Eastern Conference playoff team.

13. Toronto - Without Jalen Rose, Vince Carter, and Alvin Williams

So, of the thirteen Ws, a total of three came against good teams that were anywhere near full strength. The rest are games that a team like the Nets should expect to win comfortably.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it's not impressive. Fourteen straight is no joke for any team, and the Nets are playing their best basketball of the year, without question. Their defense is tighter, so they force more misses. More misses means more rebounds. More rebounds means more running. More running means more Jason Kidd, and more Jason Kidd means more Ws. That's Nets basketball. That's what's gotten them to the Finals the past two years.

Let's just slow down with the Lawrence Frank for the Hall of Fame campaign. If anything, I think it speaks more to just how uninspired and unorganized the Nets were under Byron Scott. I'm not saying Lawrence Frank has nothing to do with it. Obviously, the team believes in him. But the fact remains that the Nets were always very talented, but for whatever the reason, lost faith in Byron Scott and stopped playing for him like they had in the past. They're playing for Lawrence Frank now how they played for Byron Scott in 2002 and 2003.

The Need To Be 3

The most important race in the playoffs is for the 3-spot in the West. The eight playoff teams in the West are pretty much set, and no matter what eight teams get into the playoffs in the East, at least a couple of them are going to be bad teams. All the drama surrounds the 3-spot out West.

There are five championship-caliber teams in the West. Two of them will be playing each other in the first round of the playoffs. Playing Memphis, Houston, or Denver won't be easy for the top three seeds, but the West is so competitive that it's hard to believe that a team that endures a seven game battle in round one will have the juice left to take down two more elite teams.

The Kings and Wolves have a decent-sized cushion at the top two spots, and the bottom three are also pretty much set. The three teams in-between, the Spurs, Lakers, and Mavs, will duke it out for the coveted 3-spot.

As of right now, the 4/5 matchup would be Dallas against the Lakers, with the Lakers having home court advantage. A punishing first round series would be particularly rough on the Lakers because of their age, especially if they had to play a team that runs like the Mavericks. If they don't get to the 3-spot, the Lakers are in trouble.

Here's how the schedule breaks down (Top 8 teams are Kings, Wolves, Spurs, Mavs, Lakers, Pacers, Nets, Pistons):

Spurs: 15 at home, 9 on the road. 7 against Top 8 Teams.
Lakers: 14 at home, 12 on the road. 6 against Top 8 Teams.
Mavs: 11 at home, 14 on the road. 7 against Top 8 Teams.

The Mavs are at the biggest disadvantage with 14 games on the road, especially when you consider their weak road record of 11-16. The two other huge factors are Tim Duncan's thigh/knee, and the return of Karl Malone, which can't come soon enough, because the man just doesn't know how to dress himself when he's sitting on the bench injured. I think the shirt he wore on Thursday night was the same one his daughter wore for her WNBA draft night.

If Duncan doesn't miss much time, I like the Spurs chances of holding on to the 3-spot. The return of Karl Malone will require the Lakers to do a little bit of adjusting, and the Mavs just aren't a good enough road team.

The Mighty 10:

1. Minnesota. The deepest and most complete team at the moment.

2. Sacramento. Might be the deepest and most complete team when they're healthy.

3. New Jersey. Had they beaten the Wolves, I was ready to give them the top spot. Sadly, the best way to end a winning streak is to actually play a good team.

4. Dallas. Impressive in the win over San Antonio.

5. LA Lakers. The best thing the Lakers have going for them is the fact that guys like Rush, Walton, Medvedenko, and Cook got a lot of playing time due to injuries. This team could get really hot, really quick.

6. San Antonio. Blown out by the Mavs, but in the playoffs, over 7 games, their defense and consistency will give them the edge.

7. Indiana. They deserve better than the 7-spot, but... there just isn't room.

8. Memphis. Had won nine of ten before inexplicable loss to Golden State. Depending on the match-up, this team could give someone fits in the playoffs.

9. Detroit. Rasheed still trying to blend in, Pistons still trying to get out of a slump.

10. Denver. A crime was committed in Denver on Wednesday night. Odd, considering that the NBA usually waits until the playoffs to start giving the Lakers ridiculous calls.

The Meek 5:

Honorary team that is especially not in the Meek 5: Atlanta. The fellas in Atlanta would have every right to just pack it in and play out the string, but the Hawks have refused. The guys left on the roster come to play. They're probably not going to go on any massive winning streaks, but they're not going to lay down and die, either. Chris Crawford, Jason Terry, Stephen Jackson, and coach Terry Stotts deserve some love.

25. Washington. I KNOW I did not hear Kwame Brown questioning someone else's attitude. I refuse to believe that happened.

26. Phoenix. Had to be sweet to break an eight-game losing streak against Starbury and the Knicks.

27. Orlando. On paper, the Charlotte Bobcats are better.

28. Boston. If you're an NBA GM, would it hurt to take an NBDL player, package him with a 2nd-round draft pick, and offer it to Danny Ainge in exchange for Paul Pierce? You never know.

29. Chicago. So much talent, so few wins. This has to be the toughest GM job in the league.

The Mailbag

Dude... at least TRY to keep your biases from being advertised in big bright neon lights when you write. Peja didn't do anything wrong, didn't say anything wrong, yet you "sensed" some arrogantness by using your super-psychic-senses (from the 2-time winner, and for the record - by far the best shooter in the competition) and so you not only are glad he lost, but you downgrade the Kings TEAM for it? AND you slandered him by saying he "choked"? With 16 points in the last round, one basket away from a tie? With 21 points in the first round? If Voshon hadn't have been extremely fortunate/good by sinking EVERY moneyball, there's no way he would have won. A LITTLE objective reporting instinct goes a long way towards creating respect. - John Warner, Sacramento

Three things:

1) I guess you didn't see previous editions of Throwin' Bows where the Kings had the top spot in the Mighty 10, and I said Peja was a legit MVP candidate. I don't deny being biased (good luck finding a human being who isn't, by the way), but it's not against the Kings.

2) I'm not a reporter. I don't have an "objective reporting instinct," nor do I want one. It's not my job to be objective. We are all about opinions here. It's not my job to show up live on the scene with a camera and a microphone and give you a factual and dispassionate account of what happened. If you're looking for unopinionated and unbiased, feel free to look elsewhere.

3) As for Peja's performance itself, the fact that he had 21 in the first round, and then 16 when the championship was on the line, is pretty solid evidence that he choked. You're right, he is the best shooter in the game. He should rack up 20 points with his eyes closed. But when it's time to make it three championships in a row, Peja whipped out his International Bricklayers Union membership card.

Also, arrogantness is not a word.

I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here when I say that I believe the jury's still out on Isiah Thomas. Notwithstanding the fact that he's made some good trades that will help the Knicks contend, I'm not sure he's inspiring a lot of loyalty and "feel good about being here" with the players in Gotham. Sure, there's a sense of urgency, but "Rome wasn't built in a day". It just seems to me like he's trying to soothe his shattered ego after being dumped in Indiana. Good trades notwithstanding. I think it was pretty boneheaded to trade away Keith van Horn for Tim Thomas and losing Michael Doleac in the process. Could be trying to gain resources for the run at Sheed this summer, but let's face it, Joe Dumars is a better executive, so, I still believe the jury's still out. - G-Man, Holland via NYC

I agree and I don't. The Knicks matter again, and I think that's the most important thing. The players believe they're playing for an organization that gives a damn about winning and will put them in a position to succeed. At this point, that overrides everything else. How long's it been since anyone cared about the Knicks?

But I do see you working. Obviously, getting Marbury was a great thing for the Knicks, but they gave up a big chunk of the future to do it. What if Milos Vujanic and Maciej Lampe both turn into studs, and the Suns turn the two first round picks into quality players? The deal made the Knicks better right now, but a few years down the line, the deal might not look like such a steal for the Knicks.

I also think they got the worse end of the Van Horn/Thomas deal. Any team that still sees Keith Van Horn as a good 2nd option is kidding themselves. It's all about expectations for Van Horn. If you're looking for a 3rd option who has some size, and can put together the occasional great game, he's your guy. But that's all he is, and that's OK. In the long run, I'd rather count on him than Tim Thomas.

That said, though, the Knicks are clearly better off right now than they were under Scott Layden. They're younger, they're exciting, and they're likely a playoff team. The jury may still be out on Isiah, but they've got to be leaning in his favor.

First, Tim Thomas said the next time he sees Ray Allen he'll choke him up, Allen responded saying Thomas only talking through the airways and that he's not scared. There are no more match-ups for the squads this season but if there is to ever be a scrap who do you got coming out on top? I got Allen. Second, what do you think about the situation going on with my squad the Raptors and Lamond Murray. Personally I think he's being a (female canine) about the situation. Its not coach's fault that he can't guard anyone. It hurts me to say this but what more has he done for this squad than Yogi Stewart who he got traded here for? - Killa, T-Dot

A Tim Thomas vs. Ray Allen throwdown. Excellent question. Let's break it down.

Tim Thomas: 27 years old. 6'10", 240. Born in New Jersey, went to college in Philadelphia. Ray Allen: 28 years old. 6'5", 205. Born in California, went to college in Connecticut.

On paper, it's all Tim Thomas. He's bigger, he's stronger, and he's younger. It also doesn't help Ray that he's won all kinds of sportsmanship awards and been named to "all-interview" teams. But we're not going to hold that against him. It's possible to be a nice guy and still be able to bust some heads.

This one comes down to heart. In fact, I see a lot of similarities between this bout and the classic Daniel-san vs. Johnny bout in the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. I see Tim Thomas taking an early advantage, but then Ray coming on strong at the end when Thomas gets overconfident. Ray will play like he's had enough, and when Thomas is gloating, Ray will deliver a crane kick, and his massive calves may actually decapitate Thomas. It'll definitely knock loose a corn row or two. If do right, no can defense. And if that doesn't work, I see Sam Cassell coming out of the crowd and burying a shiv into Thomas's ribcage.

As for Lamond Murray, there's no doubt that he's being a total female canine. For those of you that missed it, Lamond had a little meltdown after he was pulled against a game against New Jersey for his poor defense, and then again ripped head coach Kevin O'Neill after the trade deadline passed and he still found himself in a Raptors uniform. "There's no communication. It's just who I am, and he doesn't like who I am for some reason. They should have let me go. They had a time to let me go. I'm past frustrated now. I'm past trying to play it his way, and play great defense."

I just can't figure out why Kevin O'Neill wouldn't like a guy outright refuses to exert himself at all defensively. Excellent work, Lamond. Not many guys have the courage to publicly admit that they refuse to play defense. How noble. I admire your courage, but I'm just not sure how much good that's going to do you when you want another team to trade for you. I was wondering why the 76er's do not think about buying out Todd MacCulloch's contract. It is unfortunate that he is going through his condition and I wish him the best but he has been collecting free money for more than a year now. The Bulls bought Jay Williams and did not even have to. What is your opinion on this? - Larry, Philly

That's a good question. I have no idea. It's a little different from the Jay Williams situation in that the Bulls didn't have to give Williams anything. His motorcycle escapade was in violation of his contract, so they could've given him nothing. In the case of MacCulloch, though, it works out much better for him to not be bought out.

It takes two parties to agree to a buyout, and I don't see why Todd MacCulloch, who probably won't be returning to the court, wouldn't want to just sit for three years and collect the $19 million left on his contract.

What is wrong with you man, ripping Vince like that. Like c'mon obviously VC is way better than Artest. Trust me I get to see a lot of Vince's games and he tries so hard to win, its just the supporting cast is horrible and yet he still tries to set them up to boost their confidence. I want an answer on why you hating on VC. Peace. - Jas, Canada

I'm not hating on anyone, Vince just isn't a franchise player. I like the guy. He wants to win, and he wants to help his teammates. If I was a GM, I'd be happy to have him on my team, as long as he wasn't the team leader or franchise player.

I'm not willing to say he's better than Artest. He's a better scorer, and better offensive player, but who does more for their team? Vince averages about 3 more points and 1 more assist per game than Artest. But Ron gets 1 more rebound and 1 more steal per game. And how many points does Artest save the Pacers in a game defensively?

Have you noticed Miami's play when Wade is healthy? If Rookie of the Year were a horserace the announcer would be saying, "coming up fast on the outside it Dewayne Wade. I think he's already passed Carmelo (as long as he stays healthy the rest of the year) and if they can make the playoffs he might have a chance of catching LeBron were it not for everyone's investment in the hype. Not that ROY means anything, but it's something to talk about. - Buster, Madison, WI

DW does deserve some props, but calm yourself. He's not catching LeBron. LeBron is close to averaging 20, 6, and 6. There are only a handful of guys in the league that can do that, and LeBron is already one of them.

Wade had a four-game streak recently where he put up 27, 31, 22, and 28. That is nice. He's a natural born scorer. Little man can throw down some nasty dunks, too, but LeBron's numbers are way better all around, including points, rebounds, assists, and turnovers.

Finishing third in the rookie of the year voting this year is like winning it any other year. DW is just a victim of being in what could turn out to be an amazing rookie class. The teams on which LeBron, Carmelo, and DW play have all already equaled their win totals from last year. That is not a coincidence.

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Sorry I couldn't get to more questions this week, but please, keep them coming. I love hearing from the homies. Got a question, comment, problem, tirade, hate mail, love note? Send it along here.

M.J. Darnell runs www.themightymjd.com.