When you think of rebounding in the NBA, typically towering centers and power forwards dominate the conversation. But there have been some remarkable performances by guards that have defied the conventional wisdom of who can dominate the glass. One such game was by Russell Westbrook. Known for his relentless energy and explosive athleticism, he once grabbed an astounding 20 rebounds in a game. For a guy listed at 6'3", that’s mind-blowing! Westbrook’s performance wasn't just a once-in-a-lifetime thing; it’s part of why he averaged a triple-double for multiple seasons, a feat only matched by Oscar Robertson in NBA history.
Speaking of Oscar Robertson, he too had some incredible rebounding games for a guard. Back in the 1961-62 season, Robertson averaged 12.5 rebounds per game. Think about that for a second – a 6'5" guard dominating the boards in an era filled with giants. This was during a time when the concept of a guard grabbing double-digit rebounds in a season was practically unheard of. The Big O revolutionized how we think about the stat lines guards should put up.
Another example is the legendary Michael Jordan. Known mainly for his scoring prowess and clutch performances, many forget that he was also a fantastic rebounder. During the 1988-89 season, Jordan averaged 8 rebounds a game. You might ask, how significant is that? Well, his ability to grab crucial boards in clutch moments often tilted close games in the Chicago Bulls’s favor, contributing to his reputation as the greatest player of all time. It's that kind of all-around statistical impact that truly sets players apart.
Jason Kidd, the hall-of-fame point guard, also had a knack for rebounding. He was neither particularly tall nor physically dominant in the paint but had an uncanny ability to read the trajectory of missed shots. Kidd once had a game where he pulled down 19 rebounds, a staggering number for a point guard. In his career, he averaged 6.3 rebounds per game, a testament to his spatial awareness and effort on the court. One could argue that this aspect of his game was crucial in him leading the New Jersey Nets to consecutive NBA Finals appearances.
In more recent memory, guards like James Harden have also flashed rebounding prowess. During the 2016-17 season, he averaged 8.1 rebounds per game. For a player primarily known for his scoring and playmaking, adding this dimension to his game made him a triple-double threat every night. Harden’s versatility and willingness to crash the boards are a big part of why he’s consistently in MVP conversations year after year.
Then there's Dwyane Wade, the Miami Heat legend. While his primary contributions to the game often came in the form of electrifying drives to the basket and defensive tenacity, Wade was also a solid rebounder. During the 2008-09 season, he averaged 5 rebounds per game, frequently out-hustling bigger players for loose balls. His rebounding stats, though perhaps not earth-shattering, infused his team with a much-needed edge in numerous close contests.
Historical data shows these guards broke the mold by excelling in areas typically dominated by big men. This added a new dimension to their games, making them multifaceted threats on the court. Fans love talking about points and assists, but those who truly understand basketball know that rebounding by guards is a significant game-changing aspect.
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