The Rebounding Reset: How the Cavs Can Turn a Weakness into a Championship Strength
The Cleveland Cavaliers are navigating a familiar struggle: closing out games and securing crucial rebounds. But this isn’t simply a matter of physicality, as Coach Kenny Atkinson suggests. It’s a mindset shift, a focused commitment to the less glamorous aspects of basketball that separate contenders from pretenders. The Cavs’ recent performances, punctuated by both encouraging wins and frustrating collapses, offer a microcosm of this challenge – and a roadmap for how to overcome it.
The Injury Context: Building a Foundation Amidst Disruption
This season has been defined by disruption. From Darius Garland’s return from turf toe surgery to Evan Mobley’s swift recovery from a calf injury, the Cavs have rarely enjoyed a fully healthy roster. The sheer volume of missed games – Sam Merrill (17), Garland (16), Larry Nance Jr. (16), Jarrett Allen (11), and Mobley (6) – has forced Atkinson to experiment with lineups and rely on players like Jaylon Tyson, who has impressively averaged 13.1 points and 53% shooting. This constant flux makes establishing consistent rebounding habits incredibly difficult. It’s not just about having the right personnel; it’s about building chemistry and ingrained instincts when those personnel are constantly changing.
Beyond Physicality: The Mental Game of Rebounding
Atkinson is right to emphasize the mental aspect of rebounding. As he pointed out, it’s not simply about being bigger or stronger; it’s about focus, anticipation, and a relentless pursuit of the ball. The Cavs’ playoff loss to Indiana last season serves as a stark reminder. While they statistically outrebounded the Pacers (229-208 overall, 70-35 on the offensive glass), Indiana consistently secured critical offensive rebounds in key moments, particularly on missed free throws. This highlights a crucial distinction: statistics tell part of the story, but the *timing* and *context* of rebounds are paramount.
The Knicks game exemplified this issue. Despite outrebounding New York 45-43 overall, the Cavs surrendered crucial offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter, allowing Mitchell Robinson to capitalize with eight points. Jarrett Allen’s positioning, often too close to the basket, made it easy for Robinson to secure those second-chance opportunities. Mobley’s lapse in tracking Karl-Anthony Towns also proved costly. These weren’t instances of being physically outmatched; they were failures of focus and technique.
Developing a Rebounding Identity: The Nae’Qwan Tomlin Opportunity
The Cavs currently lack a player fully dedicated to the art of rebounding. This is where rookie Nae’Qwan Tomlin presents an intriguing opportunity. Despite not seeing significant minutes against the Knicks, Tomlin possesses the athleticism and springiness to become a specialist in this area. He could carve out a valuable role by focusing solely on securing loose balls and dominating the glass. Developing a player with this singular focus could provide the Cavs with a much-needed edge.
This isn’t a new concept. Teams throughout NBA history have thrived with players who embraced the role of the dedicated rebounder. Think of Dennis Rodman, whose relentless pursuit of rebounds was a defining characteristic of his career. While Tomlin may not reach Rodman’s level, adopting a similar mindset could significantly impact the Cavs’ performance. NBA.com’s list of all-time rebounding leaders demonstrates the lasting impact of players who prioritize this skill.
The Garland & Mobley Effect: A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
The return of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley is undeniably a positive development. Garland, averaging 21 points in his last five games and showcasing improved confidence after surgery, is regaining his form. Mobley’s quick recovery and integration back into the lineup, even with minutes restrictions, provide a much-needed defensive presence. However, their individual improvements won’t automatically solve the rebounding issue. It requires a collective commitment from the entire team.
Offensive Flow and Ball Movement
The loss to the Knicks also exposed another area for improvement: offensive flow. In the fourth quarter, the offense became overly reliant on Donovan Mitchell, leading to stagnant possessions and inefficient shooting. Garland’s return is crucial in alleviating this pressure and restoring balance to the attack. Improved ball movement and a more equitable distribution of scoring opportunities will not only make the offense more dynamic but also create more rebounding opportunities.
Looking Ahead: A Championship Requires Consistent Effort
The Cavs are at a critical juncture. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains elusive. Addressing the rebounding issue isn’t simply about implementing new drills or assigning a dedicated rebounder; it’s about fostering a culture of relentless effort and unwavering focus. Kenny Atkinson’s decision to remain positive after the Knicks loss is a smart approach, but that positivity must be coupled with a clear and consistent message about the importance of rebounding. The path to contention requires a commitment to the fundamentals, and mastering the art of rebounding is a fundamental step towards championship success.
What adjustments do you think the Cavs need to make to improve their rebounding performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
