Rebounding trios in the NBA have always fascinated me. There's something about watching three players dominate the boards that changes the entire dynamic of the game. Take the Boston Celtics of the 80s, for instance. With Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, they averaged a combined 28.3 rebounds per game in the 1985-86 season. Can you even imagine the control they had over the paint?
The Detroit Pistons' "Bad Boys" era also comes to mind. Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, and John Salley made a significant impact on the boards. In the 1988-89 season, they grabbed an impressive 27.5 rebounds per game together. Rodman alone, known for his relentless hustle and positioning, led the league with 18.7 rebounds per game in the 1991-92 season. Talk about sheer dominance! When I think about the effectiveness of this crew, it’s clear why they became NBA champions back-to-back in '89 and '90. They weren't just grabbing boards; they were mentally and physically overpowering their opponents.
Let’s not forget the Los Angeles Lakers of the early 2000s. Shaquille O'Neal, Robert Horry, and Rick Fox collectively pulled down 26.1 rebounds per game during their championship run in the 2000-01 season. Shaq, with his 7’1” frame and insane strength, was almost impossible to box out. O'Neal averaged 12 rebounds per game that season alone. Their ability to control the defensive glass turned into quick points on the other end, which is why I'm never surprised at their three-peat from 2000 to 2002.
In recent years, I can't overlook how the Cleveland Cavaliers utilized their trio during the 2015-16 season. LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Tristan Thompson combined for an astounding 30.7 rebounds per game. LeBron's ability to play virtually every position made his 9.5 rebounds per game even more astonishing. Couple that with Love's 9.9 and Thompson's gritty 11.3, and you can see why they managed to bring home the championship, overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the Finals. Quite the performance, right?
Looking at the modern era, the Golden State Warriors have had their moments too. In the 2016-17 season, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, and Zaza Pachulia averaged 25.2 rebounds per game together. Durant, not typically known solely for his rebounding, chipped in 8.3 rebounds per game, showing his versatility. Green added another 7.9, while Pachulia contributed 5.0. This type of team effort on the boards plays a significant role in maintaining possession and controlling game momentum. Their effort led them to a 67-15 record that season and an NBA championship.
What's interesting about rebounding trios is the way they integrate into both offensive and defensive strategies. For example, Denver Nuggets' trio in the 2020-21 season showed me how versatile and essential rebounding can be. Nikola Jokic, Paul Millsap, and Michael Porter Jr. together averaged 26.8 rebounds per game. Jokic alone, with his unique playmaking skills for a center, pulled in 10.8 rebounds per game. Porter Jr., a sharpshooter, added another layer with his 7.3 rebounds. Millsap's veteran presence and his 8.7 rebounds per game round out the trio. Their combined efforts helped the Nuggets maintain one of the league's best offensive efficiencies.
Historically, the Chicago Bulls in the 1995-96 season cannot be ignored either. Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen combined to haul in 26.4 rebounds per game. Rodman's 14.9 rebounds per game were the catalyst, making him the rebounding champion that season. This trio's multi-faceted skill set allowed the Bulls to dominate the league with a 72-10 record, culminating in another championship. Their rebounding prowess made it difficult for any opponent to establish second-chance opportunities.
These trios remind me of how crucial teamwork is in basketball. The New York Knicks’ performance during the 1972-73 season is another prime example. Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, and Jerry Lucas pulled down a combined 36.0 rebounds per game, an impressive feat. Reed totaled 8.9 boards per game, and DeBusschere grabbed 9.8. Lucas was the standout with 17.3 rebounds per game. With this trio, the Knicks found success, eventually winning the NBA Championship that season.
In terms of strategy, rebounding trios often change the course of a game in unexpected ways. The Houston Rockets in the 1993-94 season had Hakeem Olajuwon, Otis Thorpe, and Robert Horry combining for 29.7 rebounds per game. Olajuwon's dominance, encapsulated by his 11.9 rebounds per game, made him a dual threat - both in scoring and protecting the rim. Thorpe’s 10.7, along with Horry’s contribution, were vital pieces in the Rockets’ first NBA title.
The beauty of a well-synchronized rebounding trio goes beyond stats; it paints a picture of a cohesive unit that understands timing, positioning, and most importantly, teamwork. Through the decades, these trios have carved their names into the annals of NBA history with their exemplary performances. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate the sport on a deeper level. Curious about the latest insights and updates? Check out arena plus for more.