Top 5 offensive rebounding games by NBA players in the last 30 years

The NBA has been a witness to some of the best match-ups in basketball. Right from scoring, defending and many other aspects of the game are seen at high intensity in the league. One of the most important aspect other than the aforementioned two is rebounding.

A rebound [also known as a board] is recorded when a player secures the ball after a missed field goal attempt or a free throw. Some of the best defenders in the game of basketball are all terrific rebounders. Securing a rebound is crucial on the offensive and defensive ends.

When a player claims the ball, while his team is initiating the offense, it is known as an offensive rebound. Meanwhile, securing possession in your own half when you are the one defending is known as a defensive rebound. In today's article, we mention five of the best offensive rebounding performances in the last 30 years.

Top five offensive rebounding performances in the past 30 years

#5 Kevin Willis

Kevin Willis was one of the most important players for the Atlanta Hawks in the 80's and 90's. He represented the Hawks for 11 seasons and was an integral part of their defense. In a match against the Washington Bullets on February 19, 1992, the forward put up an exceptional performance.

He secured a total of 33 rebounds, out of which 16 were on the offensive end. The remaining 17 came as defensive rebounds. Willis starred in that game as he also scored 20 points and recorded four blocks to make the game interesting. Despite Kevin Willis' brilliance, the Washington Bullets pulled off a marginal victory as they won the Game 103-102, courtesy of a 70 point joint performance from Ledell Eackles and Pervis Ellison.

#4 Andray Blatche

Andray Blatche played seven whole seasons for the Washington Wizards. Out of all the games he's played for the Wizards, his performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 1, 2001, will be one of the most memorable ones.

In the 39 minutes Blatche played, he scored 36 points and secured 19 rebounds, out of which 16 were offensive and three were defensive boards. He was shooting at a sensational 46.87 % from the field that day. Blatche's double-double helped the Wizards come out with a 107-115 win over the Cavs.

#3 Jayson Williams

Former New Jersey Nets player Jayson Williams [Image Credits: New Jersey Nets/Instagram]

Jayson Williams played seven seasons for the New Jersey Nets after getting drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. While playing for them during the 1997-98 season, Williams had an exceptional game against the Indiana Pacers.

The power forward rose to the occasion in a match against the Pacers that had players like Reggie Miller and Rik Smits. Williams scored 18 points and secured 20 boards, out of which 17 were offensive and the remaining three were counted as defensive boards. His brilliance on both ends helped the Nets secure a 97-95 win over the Pacers on the day.

#2 Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman is highly regarded by many as one of the best rebounders in the 90's. He led the league in rebounds, seven times throughout his career. On March 4, 1992, Rodman had one of the most sensational rebounding performances of his career.

Playing for the Detroit Pistons, the forward had a tough task of keeping up to the challenge laid by the Indiana Pacers. However, Dennis Rodman stood up to that challenge brilliantly as he recorded 34 rebounds out of which 18 were offensive and the and the remaining 16 were defensive boards.

He also scored 10 points and added to the glory as the Pistons secured a hard fought 110-107 victory. His record of securing the most offensive boards in the NBA stood for 23 years before it was broken.

#1 Zaza Pachulia

Zaza Pachulia became one of the most talked about names in the league after his closeout footslide on Kawhi Leonard, which injured the KLAW and kept him out of the series.

Throughout his 16 year stint in the NBA, Pachulia has had many impressive outings. He was very dedicated to every play and that was on full display on March 20, 2015, when the Milwaukee Bucks played the Brooklyn Nets. Pachulia scored 22 points and secured 21 rebounds, out of which 18 were offensive and three were defensive boards.

His effort went in vain as the Brooklyn Nets took the game 129-127, courtesy of a brilliant 32 point performance from Brook Lopez.