The Warriors were looking for any sign of improvement against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.
Sure, there were multiple aspects of the game they needed to address, but having slumbered through their game against the Phoenix Suns two nights earlier, a standout priority was getting more locked up and finding more energy.
If the Warriors could do that – play with more heart and pressure – the other issues plaguing the team would start to fall into place.
In their 118-91 win over the Pistons at Chase Center, they did just that. And according to Steve Kerr, a certain statistic shows how much energy his team played with: rebounding.
“It’s mainly (indicative) of focus,” Kerr told reporters at a Zoom conference after the game. “If we bounce back properly, it’s because everyone is locked up and hitting bodies. It really takes five men. Tonight was one of our best games in terms of our focus and intention.”
The Warriors bounced back the Pistons 47-39, limiting Detroit to just seven offensive boards.
It’s no coincidence that the Warriors got extra attention on Saturday. They were anything but that against the suns, and Phoenix took advantage of it.
Everything it took to change after that loss. And it started with how the Warriors approached the game from tip-off.
“From the start I thought we were defending intensively, and the most important thing was our rebound,” said Kerr. “If we can hold our own on the glass, we can get out and run. I think we are fifth in the league in defending field goals.
The stat that Kerr continued to share with his team after the game was that the Warriors are fifth in the league in the percentage of defensive field goals, meaning the Warriors are the fifth best team in the NBA to keep their opponent from scoring. But according to Draymond Green, stopping a shot means nothing if you can’t get the rebound.
“It’s one of the most important things on the defensive,” said Draymond Green. “You have to finish the possession.”
The Warriors are 17th in the league in rebounding, averaging 44.2 per game. Obviously, rebounding opponents are not the key to winning for the Warriors. There have been losses where they took the boards and wins when they were out rebounded. It’s about being competitive in that area.
Golden State’s recovering problems culminated in a loss at Denver two weeks ago. In that game, the Warriors were out-rebounded 14-8 in the first quarter alone and lost the battle on the boards by seven. Their starting front court grabbed just 12 rebounds in 88 minutes. Steph Curry led the way with 11 in 37 minutes, a sign it’s not about size but focus and determination.
“We have a few minor lineups every now and then and it requires everyone to bounce back and be physical,” Curry said. “Sometimes you have to box, not expecting to recover yourself, but to help someone else … It’s a commitment.”
Not a single double-digit Warrior bounced back against the Pistons. But if all 12 players saw that action get at least one rebound – five of which are five or more – that’s okay. James Wiseman led the group with nine.
By grabbing rebounds, the Warriors – and any team – are ready for success. It allows them to go out and play in transition, crossing half the lane before the defense is set.
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“It fuels our attack and allows us to gain some momentum, especially in the early games,” Curry said. “We have capable handlers who can push into the transition as soon as you have a rebound, and it is clear that the defense cannot get going. You can get a good flow. At the end of the day it diminishes the confidence of the other team knowing we will make them take heavy shots and they only get one shot at it. “
Bouncing back has been a priority for the Warriors since the off season. It’s one of the reasons they drafted Wiseman. That is why they were shopping at Marc Gasol during free agency. Hence, they started the season with a three-center rotation of Wiseman, Kevon Looney and Marquese Chriss.
The Warriors know the importance of rebounding. Being successful on the boards doesn’t solve all their problems. But if recovery is a sign of focus and energy, improving in that area will mean more positive changes are needed.
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