When thinking about the NBA’s most dominant teams, rebounding often becomes a critical component of their success. Not only does rebounding provide teams with additional scoring opportunities, but it also helps control the pace of the game. For example, look at how Andre Drummond and Joel Embiid uplifted the 76ers by averaging over 25 rebounds per game combined. Their sheer presence in the paint altered games, showing just how valuable a top-tier rebounding duo can be.
First off, the Los Angeles Lakers benefited massively from the dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard in their championship run. Howard, now in his mid-30s, still managed to snag around 8 rebounds per game, while Davis contributed close to 10 rebounds on average. Their combined 18 NBA-worthy rebounds per game didn’t just demonstrate their athleticism but showcased their veteran instincts and physicality. Rebounding isn’t just about stats; it’s about making those crucial plays that can swing momentum in tight matchups.
Switching gears to the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. made notable impacts. Jokic, known for his dual abilities as a scorer and rebounder, pulled in around 11 rebounds per game, while Porter added approximately 7. Together, they averaged 18 rebounds, showing that having a versatile center and a strong forward can keep the team in contention. People often forget that rebounding also involves hustle, positioning, and sometimes even craftiness, as shown by Jokic in countless situations.
Moreover, the Milwaukee Bucks enjoy the luxury of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez controlling the boards. Giannis, with his MVP skills, notched up about 12 rebounds per game, whereas Lopez, though primarily a shooter, still managed to add another 5 rebounds to the team’s total. Combining for 17 rebounds a game, this duo caused real headaches for opponents who found it hard to get second-chance points. Plus, Giannis’s ability to transition from a defensive rebound straight into an offensive play is priceless for Milwaukee’s tempo.
Over at the Miami Heat, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler take rebounding as seriously as their defensive assignments. Adebayo, with his quick rise in NBA stardom, averaged close to 10 rebounds, while Butler, known for his grit, grabbed about 7 per game. Their cumulative 17 rebounds symbolize a balanced blend of talent and effort, critical for a team that often goes toe-to-toe with top-tier Eastern Conference rivals. Notably, during many tense games, you could see Butler diving for loose balls or Adebayo using his wingspan to secure crucial rebounds.
For the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum and Robert Williams III formed an impressive pair. Tatum, embracing his role as a forward, contributed around 8 rebounds. Williams, a rising defensive star, almost matched him with another 8 rebounds. Their combined total of 16 rebounds may not seem as staggering compared to some other duos, but their efforts significantly contribute to Boston’s defensive stability. Rebounding is often an underrated aspect of defense, and these two showcase how essential it is in both regular season and playoff scenarios.
Take a look at how the Utah Jazz maneuvered their strategies around Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. Although Mitchell is primarily an offensive threat, he chipped in around 4 rebounds. Gobert, one of the league’s perennial defenders, himself averaged nearly 13 rebounds per game. Their joint 17 rebounds underscored how a team could balance between offensive prowess and defensive brilliance. In the playoffs, both their contributions become pivotal, especially when trying to limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities.
In the surprising run of the Phoenix Suns, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges played key roles. Ayton, with his bulky frame, dominated the paint with close to 11 rebounds per game. Bridges, with more finesse, still managed around 5 rebounds. Their combined 16 rebounds remind us that rebounding isn’t exclusive to centers and forwards; it’s a full-team effort and anyone who contributes adds immense value to the team’s overall performance. The Suns have truly epitomized this concept, appreciating every extra possession gained through strong rebounding.
Lastly, one cannot ignore the dynamic duo of Domantas Sabonis and Richaun Holmes from the Sacramento Kings. Sabonis, a versatile big man, secured roughly 12 rebounds per game. Holmes, adding to his own stats, put up around 8 rebounds. Their combined 20 rebounds turned numerous games in Sacramento’s favor. Their role is akin to powerhouses disrupting opponents’ plans, especially when defensive stops transition quickly into offensive opportunities. Click here to read more on arena plus.
These duos across different teams prove that rebounding goes beyond mere statistics. It embodies grit, timing, and sometimes pure physicality, contributing to the larger play strategies. In the NBA, a strong rebounding duo often becomes the backbone of a successful team strategy.