Basketball, She Wrote
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On the Pacers' "garden" variety rebounding struggles
🕑 Added 2024-02-02 15:08:00 +0000 UTCAnd the double-edged sword of doubling
By: Caitlin Cooper I @C2_Cooper
The New York Knicks, who were down by Julius Randle and O.G. Anunoby as key starters, clawed back from a 15-point deficit against the Pacers for a ninth-straight win despite shooting just 39 percent from the field, largely, for two reasons: Jalen Brunson played big, scoring 40 points against all types of match-ups and coverages, and the Pacers came up too small, surrendering the team's third-worst opponent offensive rebounding rate of the season. The question is, how much were those two things directly related, if at all? Remember, prior to this game, the Pacers were a perfect 8-0 in games in which their opponent shot below 45 percent from the field. Turns out, that calculus shifts against the league's best offensive rebounding team, especially when Brunson is on the floor.
In that regard, although Brunson only pulled down one of the team's 24 offensive rebounds, the Knicks had a 45.8 percent offensive rebounding rate in the minutes he played compared to 29.4 percent when he was on the bench. Granted, it's a one-game sample size and he played 37 minutes, but that swing also speaks to the extent to which scrambling a defense can facilitate second chance opportunities. For example, just look at this key possession from the fourth quarter, in which the Knicks tied the game and arguably shifted momentum. While not the product of an offensive rebound, the lack of defensive focus to prevent Jalen Brunson from getting the ball back in the wake of trapping him shows the degree to which holes can be surrendered on the glass when defenses are put into heavy rotation.
For more on that possession, and the double-edged sword of doubling, here's a film room investigation on why the trapping was necessary and what the numbers say about the gravitational waves which contributed to a mammoth 71.4 percent offensive rebounding rate for the Knicks in the fourth quarter.
Timestamps:
0:00 - *sigh* let's talk about it
1:32 - that's a lot of offensive rebounds!
2:15 - the impact of defensive execution and attention to detail
3:52 - the relentlessness of Jalen Brunson to compromise a defense
4:45 - equal opportunity hunting (i.e. Buddy Hield wasn't the only player who was targeted)
9:39 - so, what happened when the Pacers sent two defenders to the ball?
14:44 - summarizing the numbers on whether trapping exacerbated the rebounding
16:33 - oh hey, the rebounding also wasn't good when they weren't trapping
17:38 - perhaps what had improved can improve again
18:25 - thank you and goodbye (without offering any medical advice)
Comments
Caitlin Cooper
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the work!
Caitlin Cooper
For sure, counting down the days myself. This schedule has been brutal, so I feel for them.
Caitlin Cooper
After crunching the numbers, it makes sense that they waited. Fixing one problem contributed to the other -- on the glass.
Caitlin Cooper
Yeah, I pointed out the gamble in the clip package. Not great.
Caitlin Cooper
Of course, that's what I'm here for
Rafa
yep, clipping all those plays and digging into the film right after a game like that is a commitment. Caitlin does a good job
Rafa
I was assuming TJ was still being held out b/c of whatever personal issue he is dealing with. Nemhard is a tough kid but i think TJ should be in the rotation when available
Rafa
Jalen Brunson is great. maybe he beats you regardless. if I remember right, I think the biggest "focus" mistake wasn't the one Rick pointed out but was another Nemhard play. He had just caught Brunson with the unintentional shot to the face. Brunson was shaken. Nemhard gambled for a steal at the start of the next play. I think if ever there was a possession to not gamble on that's it. Maybe he tries to play possum and takes a quick 3 if you lay too far off but I don't think he was nearly as likely to attack. Also poor Buddy LOL. He tried.
WeGonSee
Thank you.
John Smith
Great job... Fascinating stuff presented by a true expert. Worth the donation for this alone.
Keith Correll
They look worn down. Sixers/Suns b2b, Memphis sparring session, then BOS/NYK on the road. Plus Tyrese & trade deadline distractions. All star break and a weaker schedule will be welcome.
Jeff Hasser
I was optimistic on Nesmith ability to limit Brunson, but Brunson played like an All-Star. I was glad to see they went at the trapping earlier. Sometimes it feels like they can be reluctant to go to it before the half or even the fourth though.
maninthebooth
I thought IJax should have gotten minutes. He provides both rebounding and defense. And TJM should have played when Nembhard appeared gassed. I'm in favor of Ty having his minutes restricted. Perhaps if we'd brought him along slowly earlier, he'd be playing full time now. I do appreciate this video format, thanks.
