Wilt Chamberlain Pulled Down 41 Rebounds in Playoff Game Against Boston Celtics

Published on April 19th, 2025 12:48 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


Another unbreakable record? Most likely.

On April 5th, 1967, Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers pulled down a record-breaking 41 rebounds in an Eastern Division Finals game against the Boston Celtics.

The 76ers would win by a score of 115-104.

Chamberlain's rebound total broke a record that had been held by Bill Russell. Over a four year stretch, Russell put up 40 rebounds in a playoff game a total of three times.

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Back in those days, players like Chamberlain would play for practically the entire game.

In this day and age, players (especially big men who grab rebounds) spend portions of the game resting.

In short - Chamberlain's record hasn't come even close to being touched in the "modern era" of the NBA.

In fact, three players - Bismack Biyombo, Dwight Howard and Hakeem Olajuwon - share the "modern era" record for most rebounds in a single NBA playoff game with a total of 26.

Not even close to the all-time record, and unless there is a fundamental change in how the game of basketball is played (and in how much players play during a game), nobody will ever break Chamberlain's record.

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The Philadelphia 76ers won the title in 1966-67.

Chamberlain's numbers were ridiculous during that playoff run, as he finished with 21.7 points, 29.1 rebounds and 9 assists per game.

Despite pulling down so many rebounds, Chamberlain didn't really get into foul trouble, as he averaged just 2.5 fouls per game.