Sunday, November 25, 2018

Struggles on defensive boards cost Rockets






Published










WASHINGTON - Though Rockets center Clint Capela is averaging a career-best 11.9 rebounds per game, the Rockets' rebounding has fallen off badly this season, a major issue in the two losses to begin the road trip.




The Rockets rank last in the NBA in defensive rebounding percentage this season. In their past two games against the NBA's top two offensive rebounders, the Pistons' Andre Drummond and Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson, the Rockets allowed 17 and a season-high 23 second-chance points. They rank 15th in the NBA in second-chance points allowed, giving up 13.3 per game.







Capela, whose 12 offensive boards on Friday were the most in a game in the NBA this season, is fourth on the offensive boards, ninth overall. But he said the Rockets' switching style will often take him away from the glass on the defensive end.









"Sometimes we switch and we have a small on (centers) and he gets chances to get offensive rebounds," Capela said. "Sometimes I'm on the ball guarding the small, trying to block the shot and he's (the opposing center) is coming right behind to get offensive rebounds."




The Rockets, however, had the same defensive style last season when they ranked fourth in defensive rebounding percentage.




RELATED: Bench could be even more shorthanded vs. Wizards


















Related Posts: