November 16th 2024.
Just like last year, the Golden State Warriors are once again the shortest team in the NBA, with an average height of 6-foot-4. However, just like last year, they are proving that size isn't everything when it comes to rebounding. Despite being undersized, they are currently ranked second in the league for rebounds per game at 48.4, only behind the Houston Rockets. This is a continuation of last season's trend, where they led the league with an average of 46.7 rebounds per game.
It's still early in the season, but the Warriors have found a way to overcome their size disadvantage on the glass. Head coach Steve Kerr attributes this to their fast-paced play style, which rewards speed and quickness. He also praises the team's intelligence and the impact of players like Draymond Green, who may not always grab the ball but is crucial in creating tough shots and limiting offensive rebounding opportunities for their opponents.
But even with these factors, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly why the Warriors have been so successful on the boards. They do have a quick and agile team, but they are not the fastest in the league. And while Green's rebounding numbers may have decreased, his presence on the defensive end and his ability to box out opponents still greatly impact the team's rebounding success.
Another factor to consider is the improvement of veteran player Kevon Looney, who has shed weight and become more nimble on the court. He has already recorded five games with double-digit rebounds, compared to just 11 in the entire previous season. His offensive rebounding percentage is also the highest in the league, and he is tied with Zion Williamson for second-chance points per game.
Looney credits his weight loss for changing his approach to rebounding, as he now relies more on quickness rather than strength. And with a deep rotation of 12 or 13 players, the Warriors are able to keep everyone fresh and maintain consistent effort on the boards.
Their rebounding philosophy is simple: gang rebound on defense and selectively crash the boards on offense. While it may not be the most exciting or innovative strategy, it has been effective for the Warriors. But as their rebounding numbers may have been inflated by playing weaker opponents or teams dealing with injuries, it remains to be seen if they can sustain this level of success.
Nonetheless, their rebounding prowess has been an important factor in their early wins and overall success this season. And as they continue to improve on both ends of the court, maintaining their dominance on the glass will be crucial in sustaining their strong start. The exact formula for their rebounding success may be a mystery, but the results speak for themselves.
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