Kawhi Leonard. That's about it for the Clippers as far as star power with Paul George out. The Suns have stars in abundance with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton. 

Phoenix also has a secret weapon - Torrey Craig. He's been huge through the first two games of this series averaging 19.5 points a game while making 7-of-12 3-pointers. This isn't a fluke. Craig shot 39.5 percent from beyond the arc during the regular season. 

The Clippers caught the Suns by surprise in Game 1 by disguising their defensive tactics, giving different looks on nearly every Suns possession. The Clippers are a veteran team that can do that. The Suns, however, have their share of experience, too. The Suns showed much better recognition in Game 2 resulting in a 123-109 victory. Phoenix shot 59 percent from the floor and made 10 of 24 3-pointers. 

That puts the Suns' record at 9-1 when Durant plays for them.

I respect the Clippers, but they aren't the better team. The Suns have their confidence back. They have covered in five of their last six road games against the Clippers. LA has failed to cover 11 of the last 15 times when playing on one day's rest. 

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is 5-1 on his last six NBA plays and has his NBA Game of the Month heading his Thursday card today.)