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The Phoenix Suns will host the LA Clippers in the first game of the 2021 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix. Both teams have surmounted incredible opposition to get to this stage.
The LA Clippers had a more intriguing run in the earlier rounds. In both series, they had to crawl back from 2-0 deficits to overcome their opponents. They are one of the 29 teams that have come back from a 2-0 deficit to win in the 432 playoff series.
The young Chris Paul-led Phoenix Suns put on a show against the LA Lakers in the first round and swept Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the semifinals. Although the Suns will have to face the LA Clippers without Paul due to Covid-19 regulations, they have to find a way to recreate those performances.
Five players who need to rise to the occasion for the Phoenix Suns against the LA Clippers in Chris Paul's absence
The LA Clippers have reached the finals for the first time in their 50-year franchise history and will leave nothing to chance. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns have several playoff debutants who will be eager to make a name for themselves.
As we anticipate tip-off, here are five Phoenix Suns players that need to dominate in the absence of Chris Paul.
#5 Torrey Craig
Torrey Craig is a like-for-like swap for Mikal Bridges. That means he needs to keep up the intensity for the Phoenix Suns when given his chance. Going against the LA Clippers will mean the Suns need to produce from downtown against one of the deadliest three-point shooting teams.
The Phoenix Suns' three-point shooting has been average at best despite their ability to create open looks. Craig is nine of 21 from beyond the arc so far in the playoffs. With Paul's absence, he will likely get more minutes, which means that he will be in a position to hurt the LA Clippers, and he has to deliver.
#4 Jae Crowder
Jae Crowder is called The Beast for a reason. He is a defensive juggernaut and recorded success defending LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the first round. In the second round, against the Nuggets, his three-point shooting improved as he converted 12 of his 21 attempts in the series.
Facing the LA Clippers will be a more tasking endeavor, which is why Crowder will need to be a leader. With Chris Paul's absence, he will be the oldest on the court for the Phoenix Suns.
Crowder will also be the player with the most NBA playoff experience as he was part of the Miami Heat team that faced off against the Lakers in the Orlando bubble. NBA playoff appearances in the past, and if the Suns hope to defeat the LA Clippers in this series, Jae Crowder will have to step up and lead.
#3 Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges has been one of the most consistent players for the Phoenix Suns and has to continue that run of form against the LA Clippers. He has featured in all 72 regular-season games and all games in the 2021 NBA playoffs.
Although this is Bridges' first playoff appearance, he has faced challenges head-on and produced for the Phoenix Suns. However, he will face a formidable foe in Terence Mann, who took over, with 39 points and led the LA Clippers to a Game 6 victory over the Utah Jazz.
Bridges has been impactful, with most of his scoring as a result of Chris Paul's find. The 24-year-old will have to be just as prolific against the LA Clippers even though he might not get the same quality of service from other teammates.
#2 Cameron Payne
In Chris Paul's absence, Cameron Payne will most likely be called upon for his first playoff start. Off the bench, he has been assertive in bringing the ball up the court for the Phoenix Suns.
Payne has shown that he can deliver the goods when called upon. Despite his limited minutes, he is averaging 10.2 points per game in the 2021 NBA playoffs. Although more will be demanded of him against a formidable opponent like the LA Clippers, his record against the other franchise out of Los Angeles was impressive.
The matchup against the LA Clippers' Reggie Jackson might be the toughest so far for Payne in the playoffs. Reggie has earned his spot in the Clippers starting five and has been impactful. Payne has his work cut out for him as his performance will go a long way in determining the Phoenix Suns' success in this series.
#1 Devin Booker
Devin Booker is a player to watch as his production will make or break the Phoenix Suns' shot at the championship. If Booker has a poor run, the Suns' chance of winning this series against the LA Clippers is next to none.
Like the Phoenix Suns of old, the offense will likely flow through Booker, which will mean that if the LA Clippers can successfully shut him down, they will win the series. However, Monty Williams has adopted an all-inclusive approach which has resulted in better ball distribution.
Booker has been inspirational in the 2021 NBA playoffs as Chris Paul's introduction to the team unburdened him. Before Paul's return, Booker will be responsible for ensuring the Suns stay in the tournament.
Guess the Lakers players!
