Inside The Nets

How Rebounding Prowess Propels the Brooklyn Nets to Victory

The Nets dominated the rebounding battle against the Washington Wizards, setting a precedent for the rest of the season.

Peter Sunjic

© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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The Brooklyn Nets had a significant advantage in the rebounding battle against the Washington Wizards with 66 to 42. It was a dominant performance for the Nets as they made Daniel Gafford and the rest of the Wizards struggle to crash the glass.

In this triumph against the Wizards, the team welcomed back their starting center, Nic Claxton, who delivered an impressive performance with 10 points and 13 rebounds, emerging as the top rebounder alongside the hardworking Mikal Bridges.

‘We just had to lock in, especially during the third quarter when we came out flat. I’m feeling good and this is something for me to build off of and the team to build off of,“ Clax said in his post-game interview. “We were working on that and a big point of emphasis in training camp. Me, DayDay, and I think ‘Kal had 13 rebounds, the whole team really did a good job on the boards and we gotta make it a staple for us.”

The Nets’ transition playstyle thrives with good rebounding

When Ben Simmons was healthy, he was rebounding the ball well, and as soon as he landed, he would push the pace and look for his teammates in transition. That is what head coach Jacque Vaughn wants to see with his team because they have the personnel to thrive with fast-break points.

Simmons is the main man for the transition playstyle but Mikal and Dennis Smith Jr. have shown they can thrive with this style. They are not only defending well but they end the opponents’ possession with their rebounding.

The significance of Claxton's comeback lies in his status as an elite rebounder, boasting an average of 9.2 boards in the 2022/23 season. His inclusion, along with a contribution of 2.5 blocks per game, will not only fortify the Nets' transition play but also instill confidence in executing daring passes.

The Nets have the right personnel to dominate the rebounds

Claxton heads the team in rebounding, complemented by a solid supporting crew. Bridges demonstrated his commitment by securing 13 rebounds against the Wizards, while off the bench, Day’Ron Sharpe showcased his prowess with an impressive 12 rebounds.

As long as they keep rebounding well, the Nets can get into their rhythm better and succeed with their transition style with Vaughn’s affinity to keep running in transition.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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