NBA Small Sample Size Awards

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 25: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers speaks to the media after the game against the Orlando Magic on October 25, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Made free throws

Damian Lillard (63-67), Joel Embiid (62-76), Zach LaVine (50-60)

This shouldn’t be too surprising from Lillard, who added this element to his game a few seasons ago. He has deep range on his pull-up jumper, which makes defenders respect his shot 30 feet from the rim, while also being able to drive into the paint and finish through contact. That’s too much distance for the defender to cover without making contact, and once he feels the bump, he knows the whistle is coming.

LaVine has returned to the league in full health and is using his elite athleticism to get to the free throw line. He’s blowing past his defender off the dribble, weaving towards the help defense, jumping up to create contact, then squeezing a shot attempt up. He can change pace so quickly, it leaves defenders off balance, and they wind up fouling him even when they think they had a good position to contest the shot.

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