Final Score: Suns 119, Blazers 90

After being stunned by the short-handed Blazers in Game 1, Phoenix came to play on Tuesday night and were ready for everything Portland threw their way.

Steve Nash had 16 assists, and the high-flying Suns dominated from start to finish to beat Portland by 29.

Jason Richardson had 29 points for Phoenix, while Grant Hill shot 10 for 11 to score 20. Amare Stoudemire added 18 points and 7 rebounds, and Nash scored 13 points to complement his 16 dimes.

The Suns dished out 26 assists as a team while only committing 6 turnovers. Portland, on the other hand, had nearly as many turnovers as assists. Their ratio was 12:10. Phoenix also outrebounded their opponents by 10, and converted way more easy shots in transition.

The Blazers tried to play their game of getting multiple players involved in the scoring and throwing different looks at the Suns. But Phoenix dominated the tempo and did not allow any Portland lineup combinations to stop them.

Martell Webster led the Blazers in scoring with 16 points off the bench. Andre Miller and Nicolas Batum scored 12, and LaMarcus Aldridge had 11. Portland did not get enough scoring in this up-tempo game.

The Blazers must be happy with a 1-1 tie after two games, but they also now know that Phoenix is prepared for their style of play.

"We came in and got a split, but based on tonight's game and that sense of urgency and understanding, it's still a long ways to go," said Blazers coach Nate McMillan. "You have to win four games. They came out and imposed their will on us from the start."

For Portland to have a chance to win three more games, they must find a way to stop the Suns in transition. Steve Nash is still the best passer in the game and runs an up-tempo offense better than anyone.

Portland plays very well at home and feels comfortable with their chances. But Phoenix's game will not slow down just because they have to play in Portland. The Blazers must alter their defensive strategy to slow down the Suns. Scoring more consistently in the half court also helps slow down their opponent.

Expect Portland to play better at home in Games 3 and 4, but Phoenix will be looking to run. It'll be interesting to see which style prevails.