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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 4 Sunday night. Coverage for all games will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN Radio. PRESCRIPTION FORM

Date: June 11, 2004

Prescription for: Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Doc Rivers
77 W. 66th Street
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 Plaza
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:

- Offensively, the Pistons are exploiting the Lakers in the open court and getting easy baskets, whereas the Lakers have struggled to get easy baskets. The Pistons' pick and roll plays and transition game have been very successful.

Los Angeles Lakers:

- Everyone is talking about Detroit's great defense, but the key to this series is the Lakers defense. The Lakers have played inconsistently defensively. The Lakers have to meet Detroit's intensity and drive and impose their will. So far, this series has been all about Detroit imposing their will on the Lakers.

- Nothing has changed in this series since Game 1. It's been Detroit Piston basketball, and the Lakers have to turn that.

- That said, remember the Lakers only need one win in Detroit to reclaim home court advantage.

- Offensively, the Lakers need to do a better job on the offensive boards. Too often it's been one and out.

- The Lakers need to stay out of foul trouble. They have been in foul trouble every game, which forces them to play soft defense, and that plays right into Detroit's hands.

Detroit Pistons:

- The Pistons have not handled success well in the playoffs, allowing teams to get back into the series, even playing at home. Larry Brown has to get them to deliver the knockout punch while the games are in Detroit.

- Detroit simply has to continue playing the way they are playing. They should be up 3-0.

- The screen and roll plays for Billups and Hamilton have scorched the Lakers. They have no answer for them. Billups has been free to be creative and score. Los Angeles Lakers:

- Karl Malone's inability to play up to his level could be a fatal flaw for the Lakers. They don't have a replacement. If they go with a smaller lineup, they get hurt inside.

- But 2-1 is not an insurmountable lead, certainly knowing the history of the home teams and the middle three games. If the Lakers can get this series back to Los Angeles, the Pistons will be in hot water.

- Phil Jackson has to change his offensive philosophy. His famed "triangle" offense is an equal-opportunity offense, what with all its movement and passing. Everyone gets a chance to score. That's not going to get it done now. The Lakers need 60 points from Shaq and Kobe.

- The Lakers need to do a better job of getting Kobe the ball when he is in a good position to score. Many of them seem afraid to pass the ball unless it's perfectly safe.

Refill up to 3 times.