Semiconductor packages with a reduced-height die pad and associated methods for making and using these semiconductor packages are described. The semiconductor packages include a lead frame with die pad of reduced height so the die pad has a height that is less than that of the lead frame. The semiconductor packages may comprise an isolated and/or a fused lead finger with a portion of an upper surface of the isolated lead finger that is removed to form a concavity to which one or more bond wires may be bonded. The upper surface of the isolated lead finger may be removed so the isolated lead finger has a height that is less than the height of the lead frame. And a perimeter of a bottom surface of the fused lead finger may be removed. Other embodiments are described.