5 Advantages Phoenix Suns have over every other West team
By Tyler Watts
4. Free throws
The Suns lead the NBA in free throw attempts per game and make 20.5 each night, which is the best in the Western Conference. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are both in the top 14 in free throws made, and Beal is no stranger to getting to the line when healthy.
Games slow down and defenses tighten up in the playoffs. Scoring will dip slightly, which makes free points at the line even more important. The Suns won’t stop attacking and getting 20 points from the free-throw line every night is a massive boost.
The Suns take .238 free throws per field goal attempt, which leads the NBA. They get to the line and are shooting 80.6 percent. Those freebies could be the difference in a close game and there will be one every night in the Western Conference. When the Lakers and Warriors are clawing for the final playoff positions, things are not going to be easy in any series.
Modern NBA teams want to take shots beyond the 3-point line and in the paint. Getting inside means more free throws. The Phoenix Suns are near the bottom in threes attempted, but they make up for it by getting to the line. Making 20-plus free throws every night is a must if the Suns want to make a deep playoff run.