NBA Playoffs 2011: Differing Conference Finals Bringing Unique Amusement

Both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference Finals, so far, have lived up to their annual hype. 

The star power certainly hasn't disappointed.

We've been witness to masterful offensive performances, speedy fast-breaks that have erupted with booming dunks, timely shooting from three-point land, and believe it or not, defense.

In the West, the Thunder and the Mavericks have proven to be, what I like to call, the "offensive fireworks" series, with some defense sprinkled in. 

In the East, we've got LeBron James, Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade, but physical, lockdown defense has been the theme early on. 

The contrast between these two series's has really drawn me in. 

In today's NBA, we get offense, offense, offense on our TVs. Vicious cross-overs, gravity-defying slams and fadeaway three pointers. 

We love it. 

It's what entertains us, makes us tap our friend on the shoulder and say, "Did you see that?!"

However, there's a little part of me that is still enamored by defense. 

Guys like Nowitzki, Wade and Rose make everything look so easy and free-flowing on offense, but watching these super-athletes and skilled ball-handlers fight and claw for every open look, battle in the paint for every loose ball and take charges on drives to the rim get me just as excited as a basketball fan.

We've got to cherish it while it lasts, because we're getting to see both exquisite fundamental offense that's enhanced by lights-out shooting and stifling man-to-man defense that prides itself on grit, passion and determination, and we're seeing both at their highest levels.

We've got a Conference Finals loaded with stars, but right now, the style of play in each matchup couldn't be much different. 

A unique occurrence that's making for some very amusing basketball.