The NBA is experiencing a rebounding revolution, and coaches are changing their strategies to gain an edge. One key figure in this movement is Mike Brown, head coach of the New York Knicks. Traditionally, teams focused on either offensive rebounding or transition defense, but Brown is breaking this mold.
His approach was inspired by Paul Henare, the former coach of New Zealand’s national team. Henare’s team excelled at crashing the boards, a tactic that went against typical NBA thinking. Most teams held back in offensive rebounding to avoid giving up fast-break opportunities. However, Henare’s squad showed that aggressive rebounding could actually work while maintaining a strong defense.
Brown reached out to Henare for insights on a strategy called “tagging up.” This involves players pinning defenders and controlling their movements to maximize rebounding chances without neglecting defense. In recent games, this philosophy has influenced the Knicks, who are now one of the top teams in offensive rebounding.
In fact, according to Second Spectrum, the Knicks generate an average of 4.6 more scoring opportunities than their opponents due to their aggressive rebounding. This small margin can be crucial in close games, making the focus on rebounds vital.
Other teams, like the Boston Celtics, are also innovating their rebounding strategies. Despite being seen as an underperforming offensive team, the Celtics have become adept at squeezing offensive boards and scoring points. They average about 122 points per 100 possessions, mainly through their three-point shooting and low turnover rates.
Coaches like Joe Mazzulla of the Celtics recognize that crashing the boards can be a way to control shot opportunities. They continuously adapt their strategies based on analytics, finding that offensive rebounding does not significantly hurt transition defense, which has long been a concern.
Recent statistics show a remarkable trend. Teams now send more players to crash the boards than in previous years. In the last season, the percentage of teams sending at least three players to the offensive glass has doubled. This shows a shift in mindset; teams are willing to take risks for potential gains.
Even the Houston Rockets are getting in on the action. Despite their size advantage, they are encouraged to crash the boards more aggressively by coach Ime Udoka. His strategy is helping them compete in the possession game, a critical factor in the NBA today.
In conclusion, the rebounding landscape in the NBA is evolving. Coaches are learning from one another and challenging old conventions. By incorporating smarter rebounding strategies, teams are finding new ways to improve their performance on the court. This evolution reflects a broader trend in sports, where analytics are driving decisions and reshaping traditional gameplay.
For more about the advances in basketball strategies, check out this detailed report by Nate Silver.
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New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, NBA
