This series looks like it got lost on the way to the Western Conference final. That’s what you get when the West is so brutal a 48-34 Golden State team can’t make the playoffs. (Over in the East, they’ve let just about anyone in, as evidenced by the 37-45 Atlanta Hawks.)

The Suns have been eliminated by San Antonio in three of their last four postseason appearances, including last year’s nasty six-game skirmish. The Suns never did recover from the suspensions that followed Robert Horry’s hockey foul on Steve Nash, and they’ve been itching for a rematch ever since.

Think they got Shaquille O’Neal for his comedic timing? No, the Big Fella is supposed to put a little scare into the bigger, brawnier defending champion Spurs, let them know there’s more to the Suns than running-and-gunning.

Most thought Phoenix GM Steve Kerr had lost his mind when he acquired O’Neal — and his equally large contract — for Suns star Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. But Phoenix is 18-11 since O’Neal arrived, including two wins over guess who? Yes, the Spurs.

O’Neal may joke about another $200 million contract and playing another decade, but at 36, he’s taken more pounding than a carnival bounce house. If he’s going to have any shot at a fifth ring, he’s going to have to clear a path out of San Antonio for the Suns.

Over in the East, Gilbert Arenas is already talking trash about the Cleveland Cavaliers. Impressive, considering the Washington Wizards biggest name — and mouth — missed most of the year. And that the Cavs have that James guy, the one who led the league in scoring, was eighth in assists and seems to get better with every year.

But Arenas might be on to something. James is spectacular, no doubt about that. The rest of the Cavs? Not so much. That blockbuster midseason trade has been something of a bust, with the Cavaliers only two games above .500 since the deal.

Speaking of blockbusters, we come to the Boston Celtics.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

Boston is the NBA’s best team — as well it should be after acquiring Kevin Garnett AND Ray Allen in the offseason while still managing to hold on to Paul Pierce. The moves have already paid off big, with the Celtics making the biggest single-season turnaround in league history. Their 66 wins are more than that of the league’s worst three teams combined (Miami, 15; Seattle, 20; Memphis, 22).

But all that is little more than trivia geek fodder in the years to come. As the Mavericks discovered last year, the regular season is just the warm-up act for the real show.

So kick back, and enjoy the fun.

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