Back in the “80’s, Laker bench coach Pat Riley once challenged his Show-timers with the words, “No Rebounds, No Rings!” Magic and Co. stiffened their resolve sufficiently to become the first team in nearly two decades to successfully defend an NBA championship.
Last year, the Golden State Warriors accomplished the same feat despite, during the regular season, ranking No. 22 (.210) in Offensive Rebounding Percentage and No.25 (.237) in Opponent OR% (i.e. defensive rebounding). For good measure, the Kerr Krew also finished in the “Bottom Ten” both offensively and defensively, in Turnover Percentage – No.