Phoenix Suns: 4 keys to success in the NBA Finals

Keys for the Phoenix Suns: The Suns must be aggressive on the boards

The Suns will have to make a valiant collective effort against a team that leads all teams in rebounding during the 2021 NBA playoffs. The Bucks average 49.9 boards per contest and also lead all playoff teams with 12.7 offensive rebounds per game.

While the Suns do have a rebounding extraordinaire in Ayton who is snatching down an impressive 111.4 rebounds per game, the Suns have to be aware of allowing the Bucks extra possessions and put-backs because it could become the difference in a close game.

Ayton has been a monster on the boards the entire postseason as he has secured plenty of extra possessions for the Suns but he will have his hands full with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brooks Lopez, Bobby Portis, and the lengthy Khris Middleton. But if anyone can get the job done, it’s Ayton.

During their first matchup in the regular season, the Suns actually outrebounded the Bucks by a margin of 47-39. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 11 rebounds but Jae Crowder was the difference maker as he had a game-high 14 boards. In their second matchup during the regular season, the Suns were outrebounded 51-45 as Ayton had a game-high 13 boards.

The Suns have options who they can insert into the lineup if they need size or big bodies to help crash the boards with Frank Kaminsky, Dario Saric, Torrey Craig, Cameron Johnson, and rookie Jalen Smith who are all at least 6-foot-7 or taller and could help if the Suns are overwhelmed on the boards.