When talking about the best rebounding duos of the 21st century, no one can start without mentioning the tandem of Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins during their Boston Celtics days. From 2007 to 2011, these two were monsters on the boards, averaging a combined 20 rebounds per game. Garnett, with his 6-foot-11 frame, often grabbed those tough, contested rebounds, while Perkins did the dirty work inside. I remember a game against the Lakers where they combined for 30 boards, completely dominating Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Watching them was like witnessing a master class in rebounding fundamentals combined with sheer physicality.
Then you’ve got Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol from the Lakers. They teamed up in the 2012-2013 season and while they only had one season together, they made a significant impact. Dwight, in his prime, led the league in rebounding multiple times with his peak season in 2012 boasting 14.5 rebounds per game. Pau Gasol, known for his finesse and basketball IQ, added another 10 rebounds per game to that duo. During a matchup against the Golden State Warriors, they combined for an impressive 28 rebounds. The synergy between Dwight's athleticism and Pau’s fundamental skill was a sight to behold.
Over in Chicago, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer were another pair that left a mark. From 2010 to 2014, Noah and Boozer were integral to the Chicago Bulls' success, particularly in the rebounding department. Noah, known for his relentless energy and hustle, averaged 11.3 rebounds per game in the 2013-2014 season. Boozer, while often criticized for his defense, consistently pulled down around 9 rebounds per game during their stint together. It’s no surprise that in a game mired in defensive intensity against the Miami Heat, they combined for 32 rebounds, a testament to their dominance on the boards.
Take DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin during their “Lob City” era with the Los Angeles Clippers. From 2011 to 2018, they dominated the glass, with Jordan leading the league in rebounding twice within this period. In the 2013-2014 season, DeAndre averaged 13.6 rebounds per game, while Blake added another 9.5 rebounds. I vividly remember a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder where they combined for a jaw-dropping 37 rebounds, showcasing unmatched athleticism and timing.
Not forgetting the Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, a duo that defined the “Grit and Grind” era. From 2009 to 2017, they were relentless, with Randolph often averaging 10+ rebounds per game and Gasol contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. In a 2013 playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs, they combined for 28 rebounds, epitomizing toughness and tenacity, qualities that defined their game and the team as a whole.
Another standout pair was the Detroit Pistons’ Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace. From 2004 to 2006, they were a nightmare for opposing offenses, combining for over 20 rebounds per game. Ben Wallace, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, was particularly known for his rebounding prowess, often pulling down upwards of 12 rebounds a game. In a historic game against the Indiana Pacers, they combined for 35 rebounds, solidifying their place as one of the best defensive and rebounding duos our eyes have seen.
Looking towards the present, there’s the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. Although they’ve just started their journey together from the 2022-2023 season, early signs are promising. Gobert, known as the “Stifle Tower,” has already been a rebounding beast, averaging 11.7 rebounds per game. Towns complements him well with his ability to stretch the floor and still contribute 9 rebounds per game. It’s exciting to think about what they might achieve given time. In a recent game against the Denver Nuggets, they combined for 25 rebounds, an early indication of their potential dominance.
The chemistry and success of these duos don't just rely on physicality or skill alone. It’s all about the synergy, the understanding, and the coordination between two players who know their roles and execute them perfectly. When you witness such synergy, it’s clear that rebounding is as much a team effort as it is an individual statistic.
Reflecting on these duos brings back memories of memorable games and extraordinary performances. It also highlights a critical aspect of basketball often overshadowed by flashy dunks or three-pointers. Dominating the boards often translates to controlling the pace and outcome of the game. Hence, these rebounding duos stand out as some of the key cogs in their respective teams' successes.
It’s fascinating to think about how these players complemented each other’s strengths and covered their weaknesses. Rebounding, after all, isn’t just about jumping high; it’s about positioning, anticipation, and sheer willpower. Each of these duos displayed these attributes in abundance, etching their names into NBA lore.
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