3 keys behind the Milwaukee Bucks recent win streak: Controlling the glass
Just like any other sport, basketball has elements that will always impact the final outcome no matter how much the game has evolved. One of those elements is rebounding.
If a team wins the battle of the boards, they are increasing their own offensive opportunities while simultaneously limiting the shot attempts of their opponents. Therefore, crashing the glass and winning the rebounding battle is a sure-fire way to give your team a clear advantage.
On their way to beating the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee outpaced their opponents by a combined 53 rebounds. That type of effort on the glass is exactly what they’re going to need once the postseason rolls around.
The Brooklyn Nets have one of the best rebounders in the league in Andre Drummond. The Miami Heat feature Bam Adebayo, who is great at banging bodies in the paint. The rumor mill seems to indicate that former rebounding champion DeAndre Jordan will soon be joining Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. With all those big bodies in the East, rebounding will be essential going forward.
Bobby Portis’ playing style has been compared to that of Dennis Rodman during his days as a member of the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons. Not only was “The Worm” an elite hustle player, but during his tenure in Detroit, he began leading the league in rebounds.
Portis is a guy who’s capable of grabbing double-digit rebounds in a key playoff game. If he’s able to continue helping his team win the battle of the boards, Milwaukee may very well be on their way back to the Finals.