If they don't close it to within 20 by the end of the 3rd Jackson should just sit Kobe & co. down to get ready for game 5.....
I typed the exact same thing.
Phil is smart enough he'll do just that.
One last thing.......Kobe was sick with flu, on iv's etc., earlier in the week (not sure what day i read it, Mon., i think) anyway it might be others have had the bug as well. They look off. A step or two too slow.
I think they will hammer Hou, unmercifully in games 5 and 6 or 7. Too talented and too proud to not have this impact them in a big way.