Cleveland Cavaliers: Tristan Thompson using quickness to crash glass

Tristan Thompson figured out how to crash the offensive glass against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4. For the Cleveland Cavaliers to emerge victorious in the 2017 NBA Finals, they’ll need him to do that consistently.

Tristan Thompson went from saying the Boston Celtics were too small to keep him off the glass in the Eastern Conference Finals to saying that the Golden State Warriors centers weren’t quick enough in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

Speaking to the media postgame, Thompson had this to say about his rebounding efforts in Game 4 (quotes transcribed by local ABC affiliate):

"Q: “Was there anything different in their scheming that allowed you guys to roll to the basket and get your hand on some balls?”Thompson: “They did a good job, they’ve been doing a good job keying in in terms of keeping me off the glass. For me, it’s a long series and for me, being active, using my quickness, using my feet, not so much muscle to muscle. Every series is different. The series before I was stronger than all those guys, so I just used my muscle. I have to be smart to use my legs and my quickness to get open and free myself to get offensive rebounds.”"

Looking at Thompson’s performance in the game, while Thompson was masterful in positioning himself so that there was always a smaller defender on him after a shot went up. He was right in saying he used his quickness to get open and free himself for open rebounds because by fading away from the rim, and getting the defender to leave him as they try to help a teammate deal with LeBron James or Kyrie Irving on a drive, he’s able to get a running start at a rebound.

At that point, Thompson has an advantage over Zaza Pachulia, who lacks foot speed, and Draymond Green, who lacks upper-end athleticism.

Green has a 28.0-inch no-step vertical and 33.0-inch max vertical compared to Thompson‘s 30.0-inch no-step vertical and 35.0-inch max vertical. Thompson is also three inches taller than Green without shoes while having a three-inch advantage in standing reach.

In all, this gives Thompson a five-inch advantage (nearly half of a foot) on grabbing rebounds over Green.

Must Read: Thompson and Love's effort help Cavs get Game 4 win

David West isn’t as quick or explosive as Thompson either, at 36-years-old. JaVale McGee is still the player most capable of dealing with Thompson on the glass because he’s both athletic and at 7-feet tall, taller than Thompson. However, his shot-blocking instincts will force him to gravitate towards players driving into the lane, leaving Thompson in position for tip-ins.

In the 2016-2017 regular season, Thompson averaged 9.9 rebounds per game (3.8 offensive rebounds) in 58 wins compared to 7.8 rebounds per game (3.4 offensive rebounds) in 20 losses.

In the 2017 NBA playoffs, Thompson has averaged 9.1 rebounds per game (4.0 offensive rebounds) in 13 wins compared to 6.0 rebounds per game (3.3 offensive rebounds) in 4 losses.

In the 2017 NBA Finals, Thompson averaged 3.7 rebounds (2.0 offensive rebounds) in losses. He had 10 rebounds (4 offensive rebounds) in the Game 4 win.

According to cleveland.com‘s Chris Fedor, Curry had this to say about Thompson’s impact prior to Game 4:

"“When they get extra possessions based on him just battling for those rebounds, it’s tough to kind of overcome.”"

While the efficiency of both teams in the playoffs, Thompson’s ability to get the Cleveland Cavaliers extra possessions on offense is crucial, so is his ability to stay on the court and help the Cleveland Cavaliers close out defensive possessions with defensive rebounds is as important.

If Thompson has figured it out, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a better chance at outscoring the Warriors. While the Cleveland Cavaliers will go small, they’ve gone away from using Channing Frye in the series and will use Kevin Love and James at the center position in small lineups that allow the Cavs offense to explode. However, Thompson’s ability to play 13 more minutes in Game 4 than he’d been able to play in the first three games of the series helps prevent James and Love from wearing down banging for rebounds and increases the likelihood they’ll be aggressive and efficient late in the game.

Quote transcribed by ESPN’s Zach Lowe:

"“People say I’m demoralizing, huh?” [Thompson] asked. “Well, I’m honored. I like it. Everyone has to find their niche, right?”"

Has Tristan Thompson figured it out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.

Tristan Thompson says he’s focusing on using his quickness to crash the glass

By Quenton S. Albertie | Jun 11, 2017

Tristan Thompson figured out how to crash the offensive glass against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4. For the Cleveland Cavaliers to emerge victorious in the 2017 NBA Finals, they’ll need him to do that consistently.