Rebounding has always been the hidden engine of NBA success, and the ability to pull down 20 boards in a game separates the greats from the elite. Some players dominated the glass with relentless energy, positioning, and timing that few could match. Here’s a 15-to-1 countdown of the players with the most 20-rebound games in NBA history, according to StatMuse.
15. Rony Seikaly – 21
Unknown date; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Heat center (4) Rony Seikaly lays the ball up against the Washington Bullets at the Miami Arena during the 1994 season. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Seikaly grabbed 453 boards in his 21 twenty-rebound games, averaging 21.6 rebounds and more than 20 points per outing. He played over 41 minutes on average, showing both scoring ability and dominance on the glass.
14. John “Hot Rod” Williams – 21
John “Hot Rod” Williams. Credit: @ryandunnenjoyer on X
Williams totaled 472 rebounds in his 21 twenty-rebound performances, averaging 22.5 boards and over 14 points. A high-motor big man, he controlled the paint and set a tone with physicality and timing.
13. Charles Oakley – 22
Chicago Bulls v Washington Bullets | Focus On Sport/GettyImages
Oakley posted 484 rebounds in 22 games, averaging 22 boards, nearly 17 points, and three assists. As an enforcer and elite role player, his toughness and positioning made him a constant presence on the interior.
12. Patrick Ewing – 23
Apr 2, 1984; Seattle, WA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Georgetown Hoyas center Patrick Ewing (33) celebrates after a victory against the Houston Cougars during the 1984 Final Four. Georgetown defeated Houston 84-75 to win the National Championship. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Ewing’s 23 twenty-rebound games yielded 496 boards, along with over 27 points and nearly four blocks per contest. The Knicks’ franchise center combined scoring with rim protection, anchoring both ends of the floor.
11. Clint Capela – 24
Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) looks to pass while being pressured by Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Capela collected 522 rebounds in 24 twenty-rebound outings, averaging 21.8 boards and more than 19 points. His rim-running and finishing ability, paired with paint protection, make him a modern rebounding force.
10. Tim Duncan – 26
Nov 14, 2009; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha (2) in the first half at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Duncan pulled down 564 rebounds in 26 twenty-rebound games, averaging 21.7 boards and over 25 points. He combined elite rebounding with shot-blocking and efficient inside scoring, cementing his role as the Spurs’ anchor.
9. Domantas Sabonis – 26
Nov 16, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) shoots in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Sabonis’ 26 games totaled 570 boards, averaging 21.9 rebounds, 20.3 points, and 7.4 assists. His mix of scoring, passing, and rebounding highlights a rare modern versatility from the center position.
8. Buck Williams – 27
Jan. 6, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Buck Williams against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 102-77. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Williams grabbed 572 rebounds in 27 twenty-rebound games, averaging roughly 21.2 boards and over 20 points. His physical presence and efficiency in the paint made him a consistent force during his prime.
7. Hassan Whiteside – 29
March 13, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings power forward Hassan Whiteside (33) drives in against Golden State Warriors forward Jeremy Tyler (3) during the fourth quarter at Power Balance Pavilion. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Whiteside totaled 628 rebounds in 29 games, averaging 21.7 boards, nearly 20 points, and more than three blocks per outing. His length and timing allowed him to dominate both rebounding and rim protection.
6. Bill Laimbeer – 30
May 1989; Chicago,IL, USA: FILE PHOTO; Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer (40) in action against the Chicago Bulls during the 1988-89 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Chicago Stadium. The Pistons defeated the Bulls 4-2. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports
Laimbeer recorded 641 rebounds in 30 twenty-rebound games, averaging 21.4 boards and over 20 points. His combination of toughness, positioning, and floor spacing helped define Detroit’s “Bad Boys” era.
5. Tyson Chandler – 31
March 12, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Tyson Chandler (6) passes the ball to guard Raymond Felton (20) while playing against the Los Angeles Clippers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 106 to 98. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Chandler’s 31 games yielded 673 rebounds, averaging 21.7 boards and more than 13 points. He excelled as a defensive-minded, lob-finishing center whose energy and positioning powered elite rebounding nights.
4. Rudy Gobert – 34
Nov 26, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Gobert collected 728 rebounds in 34 twenty-rebound games, averaging 21.4 boards and about 17 points, while adding roughly two blocks. He has anchored modern defenses with elite rim protection and glass dominance.
3. Shaquille O’Neal – 35
Apr 22, 2001; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Laker center Shaquille O’Neal sits next to “X-Files” star David Duchovny after being taken out of the games in the 4th quarter of the 1st round NBA Playoff game at Staples Center. The Lakers won 106-83. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY-USA TODAY NETWORK
O’Neal pulled down 760 boards in 35 games, averaging 21.7 rebounds and over 31 points. His size and strength enabled him to overwhelm opponents, dominating both the glass and the low post with his scoring.
2. Kevin Garnett – 36
May 6, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) reacts after his three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter of game four in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Garnett grabbed 772 rebounds in 36 twenty-rebound outings, averaging 21.4 boards, nearly 24 points, and more than five assists. His all-around game and versatility made him a complete two-way forward.
1. Dennis Rodman – 158
Chicago Bulls forward #91 DENNIS RODMAN looks to rebound against Miami Heat center ALONZO MOURNING at the Miami Arena during the 1996-97 season. Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Rodman sits far ahead with 158 twenty-rebound games, totaling 3,568 boards and averaging 22.6 rebounds over 40 minutes per night. His impact came from relentless positioning, effort, and defense, redefining rebounding in the modern era.
Masters of the BoardsMarch 12, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Tyson Chandler (6) passes the ball to guard Raymond Felton (20) while playing against the Los Angeles Clippers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 106 to 98. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
From Rodman’s relentless pursuit to Shaq’s sheer physicality, these players set the standard for rebounding excellence. Each brought a unique skill set, but Rodman’s record remains untouchable. A testament to timing, effort, and a singular focus on controlling the boards.