The Boston Celtics have made significant strides in their rebounding performance following a disheartening loss to the Utah Jazz on November 3. This defeat, characterized by surrendering 15 offensive rebounds and being out-rebounded by 19 overall, marked a low point for the team. Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed concerns about the team’s rebounding, stating, “We’re never going to be top five, but we have to be better.” At that time, the Celtics ranked near the bottom of the NBA in rebounding statistics.
Improved Rebounding Boosts Celtics’ Record
As of November 3, the Celtics were capturing only 63.6% of their opponents’ missed shots, which placed them 29th in the league. Their overall rebounding percentage was 47.5, ranking 26th, along with allowing an average of 18.6 second-chance points per game, good for 27th place. However, the narrative began to change over the last seven games. The team has shown a renewed focus on rebounding, ranking 11th in defensive rebounding percentage at 70.0% and 6th overall at 52.6%. They have also reduced their second-chance points allowed to 15.3 per game, ranking 13th.
During this span, the Celtics achieved a record of 5-2. For the season, they find themselves ranked 16th in the NBA for rebounding percentage, moving closer to their previous year’s standing of 11th.
Players Acknowledge Improvement
In a recent practice session, guard Derrick White highlighted rebounding as the area of most noticeable improvement for the Celtics. “At the beginning of the year, it seemed like we had a lot longer to go than we do now,” he remarked, emphasizing the team’s improved focus and effort.
Center Neemias Queta, who leads the team with an average of 8.1 rebounds per game, attributed the turnaround to analyzing game footage. This approach allowed coaches to illustrate rebounding challenges, helping players understand their opponents’ tendencies. “Team rebounding is the main thing,” Queta noted. Each player began to recognize how missed rebounds could accumulate, necessitating a stronger collective effort.
Learning and Adaptation
Coach Mazzulla discussed the variability in his team’s lineup, indicating that there has been no fixed pattern in substitutions. Recently, forwards Jordan Walsh and Josh Minott have alternated in the starting role. During a recent game against the Brooklyn Nets, Minott made a notable impact, helping the team limit their opponents to just 38 points in the second half.
Mazzulla emphasized the need for players to adjust not only their physical game but also their mental approach. “The league is very unforgiving, from a physical standpoint, on your body, and also a mental standpoint,” he stated. Players like Minott are dedicated to acknowledging their opportunities and are demonstrating consistent improvement.
The Celtics’ journey continues as they work to solidify their performance and maintain their upward trajectory, showing that improved rebounding significantly influences their overall success.
