Suns 119 , Blazers 90 (Series tied 1-1)

Amidst June Jubilation, there is a word that you will hear announcers say over and over again. “Adjustments, adjustments, adjustments.” In game one, Amare Stoudemire struggled and fouled out, while Andre Miller had no problem picking apart the Phoenix defense. Well in game two, it was blatantly obvious what adjustments Phoenix made en route to an easy victory.

1. Get Amare Going. Amare had yet another underachieving game scoring wise, but the effort was there the whole game to get him the ball. In addition to this, even though he only scored 18 points, he was critical in getting Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge into foul trouble. This turned out to be a huge factor in this game.
2. Swarm Andre Miller. Though unsuccessful in phase one of their adjustments, they definitely went after locking down Andre Miller. Miller was held to 12 points and only had 3 assists. Once Miller was shut down, the rest of the Blazers began to press, forcing shots, most of which clanked off the rim. Portland shot a putrid 38% from the field.
3. Defense, defense, defense. This is an adjustment the Suns as an organization have attempted to fix for years, but today they actually played solid defense. The Blazers were held to 12 assists, and shot the ball horribly. In addition, the Suns also won the rebound battle by 9.

What to Look for in Game 3:

Look for the Suns to continue to work on getting Amare the ball. The fact that they’re tied 1-1 in the series and he’s only scored 38 points through two games, shows that the Suns could perform even better with a big game from “The Goggled One.” From a Blazer perspective, they have to realize that they’re going to need to play almost perfect basketball to win this series. There’s no reason for a team to lose by 20 or more points in any playoff game, as there are no back-to-back games. Refocus, and make adjustments.

-G

LA Lakers 95, Oklahoma City 92 (Lakers lead 2-0)

As by the end of the game, I can imagine Kobe Bryant walk up to Kevin Durant and say, “You have much to learn, my young patawan.”

In Game 2, with Kobe battling a broken finger, sore ankle, and bad knee, illustrated when he is needed, naturally, rises to the occasion. Durant made up for his poor playoff debut and proved to Ron Artest that you contain him for long. The scoring champion dropped 32 points, pulled down 8 boards, and blocked 4 offenders, yet managed to give the ball away 8 times. On the other side, Kobe was just better, and when it mattered. In the 4th, with the Thunder playing stellar D all night, the team accumulated 17 blocks; Mr. Bryant stepped up and left the Kids on the curb to teach a valuable lesson: “This is still my house!”

In the last five minutes of the game, Kobe scored 7 points compared to Durant’s 2. Bryant finished with 39. Durant managed to go 0-3 and have 2 turnovers in that time. He still has a bit of work to do to be as efficient as the best closer in the game. Honestly, Kobe is like Mariano Rivera, and one may say that he could be the best closer in basketball history. Bryant certainly has the credentials to support such argument, but the great thing is, he’s still not done.

Bryant’s play is going to have to be at this high level because the Thunder is a lot tougher opponent than must think. Although, OKC doesn’t have a big inside presence, they make up for it with team D, hustle, and determination. Also, Kevin Durant has not played like regular season Durantula. It’s expected, but no more excuses for the young Thunder. They are down 0-2 to the defending champions and traveling home where in the last game, they embarrassed LA. Phil Jackson threatened he didn’t want to coach the Lakers after the loss. Thursday is going to be interesting. I expect a big game out of the unsung heroes of Oklahoma to come out. Rookie James Harden is bound to break out, and young players, as if I am saying Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook aren’t young, tend to play a lot better at home. I can see a line that reads 13 points (3-5 3 PT. FG) and 4 assists for the Sun Devil alum.

The Thunder need this victory, but the monster inside has been unleashed. Kobe is back!

This is The Ref signaling I’m out until next time and remember: We miss calls, you miss lay ups.