The Athletic is providing live updates on the 2025 NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Nigeria’s Search for Effective Strategies
The Nigerian national men’s basketball team hadn’t achieved prominence, leading head coach Mike Brown to seek innovative strategies beyond his usual tactics. While with the Golden State Warriors, he connected with Paul Henare, New Zealand’s former national coach, who had developed a tenacious approach to offensive rebounding.
A Shift in Offensive Rebounding Strategy
In contrast to the prevailing NBA strategy of prioritizing transition defense over chasing offensive boards, Henare’s teams aggressively pursued rebounds. Brown wanted insight into this unconventional strategy called “tagging up,” which involves coordinated crashes at the offensive glass without chaos, a method that proved effective.
Implementing New Tactics
During a video call, Henare explained how crashing the boards incorporates strategic positioning and blocking defenders from transitioning quickly. After their discussion, Brown adapted some of these techniques for the Nigerian team, later carrying them over to his roles with the Sacramento Kings and now the New York Knicks, where offensive rebounding has become a priority.
Massive Impact on the Game
This season, the Knicks excelled in rebounding, creating 4.6 more scoring opportunities per game than their opponents—a crucial advantage that can determine game outcomes. The emphasis on offensive rebounding has grown, with a significant number of teams exceeding 30 percent in recovering their own misses compared to previous years.
Boston’s Offensive Rebounding Experiment
Despite initial doubts about their offensive capability, the Boston Celtics have thrived by focusing on offensive rebounds. Under coach Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics adopted aggressive crashing strategies, showcasing their ability to generate points even when shooting efficiencies were lacking.
The Role of Analytics in Rebounding
With advanced analytics guiding them, teams like the Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies have highlighted the correlation between offensive rebounding and improved scoring opportunities. Coaches are continually experimenting with rebounding tactics, leading to a more dynamic approach across the league.
The Future of Offensive Rebounding
The NBA is witnessing a paradigm shift in rebounding strategies as teams increasingly focus on maximizing their scoring chances through collective crashing. The successful implementation of these tactics suggests a trend that may continue to evolve, pushing teams to adapt even further to gain an edge in the possession game.
