” It's not the size that matters “. This could be the new Warriors slogan. The “smallest” team in the NBA with an average of 1m96, Stephen Curry’s teammates are nevertheless number 2 in the league with 46.9 catches per game, and they are in 3rd place in “ rebounding rate“.
Before the spanking received in Boston, the San Francisco Chronicle recalled that the Warriors dominated their opponents in 37 of their 59 matches.
“It’s a total collective effort” sums up Draymond Green, the team's best rebounder at 1m98. “We're emphasizing that, and I think we're doing a good job of that. »
Brandin Podziemski changed the face of the team
For Steve Kerr, it is Draymond Green and Kevon Looney who are the keys to this domination through their delay screens. Between them, the two interiors grab 13 rebounds per game. It's not exceptional as a pair, but their ability to block opponents allows their teammates to grab rebounds.
Like for example, Brandin Podziemski (1m95) who is already one of the best rebounders among guards with 5.8 catches. Only Luka Doncic, Josh Hart and Josh Giddey are ahead of him. “He really changed our team with his ability to grab rebounds from his position, and grab more rebounds than most guards” Kerr points out.
While they measure between 1m85 and 1m90, Chris Paul, Gary Payton II and Stephen Curry have 11.2 rebounds between them. “It’s just a matter of attention” Curry explains. “You have to be the first to strike. You have to tell yourself that you won't run into anyone near the circle. You have to tell yourself that no one can surpass you. It's a principle as old as time to create contact with your player, and to do it as early as possible to make the task easier. »
Rebounds to play very quickly
For Draymond Green, this focus on defensive rebounding has become more of a weapon this season as the roster has been rejuvenated and the team is never more effective than when it runs. Podziemski, Kuminga or even Wiggins and Moody are space swallowers, and to put them into orbit, you have to recover the rebound.
“We realize we have a ton of speed. If we concentrate on getting the ball, we can get out and run. We can still dominate teams” explains Green, who adds that to give yourself a chance at rebounding, you also have to defend well: “When we don't let guys get in the gaps and push through, we can keep our defensive shell intact. »
This is confirmed by the figures for 20 matches since over this period, the Warriors are number 1 in rebounding, and 4th in defensive efficiency (110.7 points conceded over 100 possessions).
