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Cleveland Cavaliers: Rebounding Could Be Cleveland’s Kryptonite

By Nathan Beighle

Jan 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) go for a rebound during the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) go for a rebound during the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered another heartbreaking loss on national TV, and their struggles point to one thing- a lack of rebounding.

The Cleveland Cavaliers played the Chicago Bulls last night, and they unsurprisingly lost again. This recent loss puts them to just 6-10 in March. Many of these games have been where the opponent just blew them out of the water because of a lack of Cleveland defense.

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The real problem in Cleveland isn’t their defense. It is their rebounding, and it was shown in its full ugly mask against the Bulls.

The Cavaliers average 43.4 rebounds per game which is 18th in the NBA, but in the March that numbers drops. In March, they average just 41.3 rebounds which puts them at 24th in the NBA. This drop has been one of their many issues.

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In last nights game, Cleveland gave up 15 offensive rebounds which helped the Bulls to in turn shoot more free throws and field goals. In a game earlier in the year against the Rockets, the Cavaliers gave up 20 (!!) offensive rebounds. These numbers already cripple Cleveland no matter how well their defense performs.

Their rebounding percentage is even worse. In March, the Cavaliers are 28th in the NBA in rebounding percentage showcasing a horrendous 47.1% which is only better than the DeMarcus Cousins-less Kings and the Bogut-less Mavericks.

While it is not an excuse, having just Tristan Thompson as the lone center on the Cavs has certainly not helped. He has had to log some heavy minutes while the team continues to lose games left and right.

It is not all on Thompson. Love needs to start doing more along with James and Derrick Williams. Players need to step up and rebound, or else it will be a matter of time before this ugly issues cripples them in the playoffs.

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Tell us. Do you think the Cavaliers rebounding is a bigger issue than their lack of defensive effort?