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Note: Exclusive coverage of the NBA Finals on ABC (with analyst Doc Rivers) and ESPN Radio (with analyst Dr. Jack Ramsay) will continue with Game 2 Tuesday night. Coverage for all games will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN Radio.

PRESCRIPTION FORM

Date: June 7, 2004

Prescription for: Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Game 2

Doc Rivers
ABC Sports
New York, NY 10023

DIAGNOSIS

"The Lakers have more talent and the Pistons are tougher mentally. It'll go deeper than people think -- 6 or 7 games.

PRESCRIPTION AS FOLLOWS...

Dr. Jack Ramsay
ESPN Radio
Bristol, CT 06010

DIAGNOSIS:

"If the Lakers play efficiently and without the peaks and valleys that frequently accompany their game, they should win in five."

PRESCRIPTION AS FOLLOWS...

Detroit Pistons:

- Larry Brown did something I did not expect, but it worked. He had his team guard the Lakers' top two stars, Shaq and Kobe, straight up. This left the Pistons more able to shut down the rest of the Lakers, especially the three-point shot. It worked once, and they will need an equal effort to win Game 2.

- I said we would find out if the Eastern Conference Finals was good defense or bad offense. Looking at how the Pistons played last night, I'd say it was great defense. Their effort is amazing.

Los Angeles Lakers:

- The Lakers must get scoring from someone beyond Shaq and Kobe. If they diversify their offense, Detroit's defense will be stretched and this series should be 1-1 going to Detroit.

Detroit Pistons:

- Detroit really played a superb game, pressing the ball right from the start, forcing the Lakers to talk a lot of time off the shot clock before getting into their offense. The result was a lot of hurried shots. The Pistons need to keep this pressure on.

- The Pistons approach was surprising. They were poised and confident, whereas the Lakers were a little on edge. They looked as if they expected this and were not suprised. Larry Brown needs to maintain this mindset on his squad.

- Tayshaun Prince must keep the pressure on Kobe. He did a very good job, challenging his jump shot. Also, when Kobe drove to the basket, other Pistons closed the lane. This sort of team effort led to Kobe's frustration and low shooting percentage.

Los Angeles Lakers:

- The Lakers have to do a better job at both ends of the floor, but it starts with their offense. They have to get into their offense more more quickly, which will create better shooting opportunities. That will lead to a higher field goal percentage, and then they will be able to get back on defense.

- I would bring Shaq higher on the floor to get the ball and relieve pressure on the guards.

- The Lakers need to do a better job defending the screen and roll. Detroit runs screens up to with Billups and on the side with Rip Hamilton.

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