Rebounding dominance in the NBA has never been more evident than in the battles between Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. These two legends shattered records, posting rebounding numbers that seem unfathomable today. Wilt's all-time single-game record of 55 rebounds remains untouched, while Russell wasn’t far behind with 51. Their legendary performances showcased their dominance on the boards, setting records that still stand decades later.

2. Wilt Chamberlain vs. Bill Russell

Who Holds the Most Rebounds in a Game? Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell Hold the Unimaginable Record

Wilt did what seemed impossible—snatching 55 rebounds in a single game against Bill Russell’s Celtics! Playing all 48 minutes, he also dropped 34 points. His sheer dominance on the boards that night still stands as the NBA’s all-time single-game rebounding record. To put it in perspective, many teams today struggle to grab that many rebounds collectively!

1. Wilt Chamberlain – 55 Rebounds (Nov 24, 1960)

Russell wasn’t about to let Wilt have all the fun. Just nine months earlier, he grabbed 51 rebounds against the Syracuse Nationals—a personal best. Despite scoring only 23 points, his defensive presence was unmatched. Playing a full 48 minutes, Russell shot 50% from the field and a solid 70% from the free-throw line, proving his all-around efficiency.

2. Bill Russell – 51 Rebounds (Feb 5, 1960)

Facing the Detroit Pistons, Russell nearly hit 50 again with 49 rebounds in 48 minutes. He wasn’t just about rebounding—he also scored 27 points and dished out 6 assists. Shooting 45.8% from the field and 71.4% from the free-throw line, Russell showcased his ability to dominate both ends of the court.

3. Bill Russell – 49 Rebounds (Mar 11, 1965)

Even before Wilt entered the league, Russell was setting rebounding records. Against the Philadelphia Warriors, he secured 49 boards in just 43 minutes. Not only that, but he also scored 28 points and shot 52.4% from the field. His rebounding instincts and defensive tenacity were already legendary.

4. Bill Russell – 49 Rebounds (Nov 16, 1957)

Wilt wasn’t just a rebounding machine—he was an offensive force, too. Against the Lakers, he dropped a ridiculous 56 points while grabbing 45 rebounds. Playing 48 minutes, he shot 54.3% from the field despite intense defensive pressure. This game further cemented his status as the most dominant big man in history.

15. Wilt Chamberlain – 10,816 Missed Shots

5. Wilt Chamberlain – 45 Rebounds (Jan 21, 1961)

Wilt put up another insane stat line against the Syracuse Nationals, pulling down 45 boards while scoring 44 points. He played the entire game, attempted 23 free throws, and still found time to record 3 assists. Shooting 40.5% from the field, his relentless rebounding made up for his shooting struggles.

6. Wilt Chamberlain – 45 Rebounds (Feb 6, 1960)

Another classic Wilt vs. Russell battle. This time, Chamberlain grabbed 43 rebounds against the Celtics while scoring 27 points and dishing 8 assists. In his usual fashion, he played all 48 minutes, proving yet again why he was an unstoppable force in the paint.

7. Wilt Chamberlain – 43 Rebounds (Mar 6, 1965)

Against the Lakers, Russell once again showed his rebounding dominance, pulling down 43 rebounds in 48 minutes. He also added 29 points, proving he wasn’t just a defensive specialist. Shooting 50% from the field, Russell controlled the game on both ends.

8. Bill Russell – 43 Rebounds (Jan 20, 1963)

In one of his most legendary games, Wilt scored a ridiculous 78 points while grabbing 43 rebounds in a 63-minute double-overtime marathon against the Lakers. Shooting 50% from the field, he dominated every aspect of the game, making this one of the most absurd stat lines in NBA history.

9. Wilt Chamberlain – 43 Rebounds (Dec 8, 1961)

Facing off against the Boston Celtics, Wilt pulled in 43 rebounds while scoring 44 points in 48 minutes. His rebounding and scoring ability were on full display, shooting 38.1% from the field and hitting 63.2% from the free-throw line.

10. Wilt Chamberlain – 43 Rebounds (Jan 15, 1960)

Wilt was still a rookie when he pulled off this insane performance against the New York Knicks. He dominated the glass with 43 rebounds, scored 39 points, and played all 48 minutes. Shooting 48.3% from the field, he proved early on that he was a generational talent.

11. Wilt Chamberlain – 43 Rebounds (Nov 10, 1959)

By 1969, Wilt was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, but his rebounding dominance never faded. Against the Boston Celtics, he hauled in 42 rebounds in a 53-minute battle. Though he only scored 12 points, his 6 assists and defensive effort kept the game competitive.

12. Wilt Chamberlain – 42 Rebounds (Mar 7, 1969)

Wilt went head-to-head with Bill Russell and once again showed his rebounding brilliance, securing 42 boards while adding 37 points and 6 assists. He played the entire game and shot an efficient 53.6% from the field, proving his ability to dominate both ends of the floor.

13. Wilt Chamberlain – 42 Rebounds (Jan 14, 1966)

One of the rare non-Chamberlain/Russell entries, Nate Thurmond put up 42 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons while scoring 18 points. Despite struggling from the field at 35.3%, his elite rebounding made up for it. A true under-the-radar rebounding legend!

14. Nate Thurmond – 42 Rebounds (Nov 9, 1965)

Another game, another mind-blowing stat line for Wilt. Against the Pistons, he not only pulled down 42 rebounds but also dropped 58 points in 47 minutes. Shooting 58.5% from the field and 76.9% from the free-throw line, he was practically unstoppable that night.