Marc J. Spears of the BOSTON GLOBE reports on a possible reason for Atlanta’s blowout loss to Boston in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA playoffs.

(Someone might check Erin’s cup while they’re at it)

Word is, Boston entertainment prince Patrick Lyons might have played a role in the Celtics’ blowout Game 7 win over the Hawks a week ago that vaulted them to the second round. The Hawks stayed at the Liberty Hotel May 3 in Cambridge before playing the Celtics. A league source said Lyons, who operates the Alibi Lounge in the hotel, instructed his bar staff to give anyone affiliated with the Hawks a double shot in any alcoholic beverage they ordered.

A “league source“? That narrows it down, eh? I’m assuming that source isn’t David Stern. That Lyons fellow is certainly a master of public relations. We’re certain he didn’t feed the info to someone with the Celtics for the express purpose of having it passed on to Spears.

Also, what are the Hawks doing out drinking the night before Game 7 anyway? It’s not like they have Josh Howard on the team.

And I know we’re all thinking the same thing on this one. Thank goodness Vin Baker was left of the C’s playoff roster.