C’s Continue Strong Trend on Glass vs. Wizards

http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/post-032017-celtics-smash-wizards-on-glass-continue-rebounding-trend?sf64597813=1









C’s Continue Strong Trend on Glass vs. Wizards


Posted: Mar 21, 2017



By Taylor C. Snow |  @taylorcsnow
Celtics.com



March 21, 2017



BOSTON – Washington’s physical frontcourt has given the Boston Celtics major issues in the rebounding department during past matchups.

Such was not nearly the case Monday night during the season series finale between the two teams.

The Celtics were downright dominant on the glass, racking up a season-high-tying 54 boards to Washington’s 39, en route to a 110-102 win at TD Garden.

To give you an idea of how much of an improvement this was for the C’s, consider this: During Boston’s two losses to the Wizards this season, it was outrebounded by a total tally of 97-63.

That’s quite a 180 the C’s pulled, wasn’t it?

The difference in this matchup was that Boston played like it wanted the ball more. The C’s crashed the glass relentlessly from start to finish, particularly on the offensive end where it tallied a season-high 20 offensive boards. It marked Boston's best offensive rebounding effort during a regular season win since Mar. 30, 2008 when it pulled down 22 O-boards vs. Miami.

Brad Stevens and Al Horford both independently credited Tyler Zeller for being Boston’s spark on the glass. He only played six-plus minutes – the fewest minutes of any Celtic who saw playing time – but his energy on the boards was non-stop while he was on the floor.

“I have a lot of respect for Tyler because he’s usually the first one in the gym every day,” said Horford, who was one of four Celtics who tallied at least nine rebounds. “He’s really working and he’s staying in shape. He’s just a true professional because it’s hard in the position that he’s in. And for him to just be ready and perform was really impressive, and we needed that from him tonight.”

Horford said that Zeller’s efforts on the offensive glass were contagious, and the box score backed up his claim. Nine of the 10 Celtics who saw the court had at least one offensive rebound. Even 5-foot-9 Isaiah Thomas tallied one on a put-back tip shot that was nearly a dunk.

“I guess it was just one of those games for all of us,” Thomas said with a grin after the win.

Rebounding has been an issue for Boston during most of the season, so Monday’s effort may appear to be an anomaly. But if you take a closer look at the numbers, you’ll find that the C’s are actually showing great improvement in that area of the game.

Boston has corralled 50-plus rebounds during five of its 14 games after the All-Star break. It reached the half-century mark in that department just three times during its previous 57 games.

“I think our focus is much higher on it,” said Jae Crowder, who has averaged a team-best 7.7 RPG since the All-Star break. “Guys are looking in the mirror, not looking to the next guy, and just trying to care of it, do as much as possible to help our team rebounding. So I just think our focus level has been where it needs to be with that.”

Such was not the case during the first two-thirds of the season. Boston ranked 26th in the league in rebounding with a rate of just 41.2 RPG. During their post-All-Star break stretch, however, the Celtics rank in the top half of the league – 13th overall – with an average of 44.6 RPG.

It would be incredibly valuable if the Celtics could continue their upward trend in the rebounding department, especially with the postseason right around the corner.


bob


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Hacked from another thread........, but still applicable.



A game won by out rebounding an opponent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by wideclyde Yesterday at 11:00 AM

In a game where many of the team stats were fairly equal between the Cs and the Wizards, this game was definitely won on the boards. Just as the Cs have trouble winning against a good team when losing the battle on the boards by 15, they used their plus 15 rebounds to beat the Ws.

After complaining for the last three years about the Cs rebounding weaknesses, this team has found a way to get many more rebounds in the last month without getting any new players to help them get these rebounds.

This has certainly become a situation where the mind and desire have overcome a huge team weakness.

A big, healthy HIGH FIVE for the players and the coaches on such a dramatic (and necessary) improvement.

Keep up the great work as our chances in the playoffs have certainly gotten better with our improved rebounding.