1992 NBA Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons, March 4, 1992, Dennis The Worm Rodman Grabs 34 Rebounds
IND 107, DET 110 – The outcome of the game seemed almost secondary to Dennis Rodman’s remarkable rebounding performance. Rodman’s 34 rebounds not only set a Pistons franchise record but also contributed to a double-double in their victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Players of the game:
Isiah Thomas: 31 PTS, 10-18 FGM, 56 FG%, 1-1 3PM, 10-11 FTM, 91 FT%, 2 REB, 7 AST, 1 STL
Dennis Rodman: 10 PTS, 4-15 FGM, 27 FG%, 18 ORB, 16 DRB, TRB 34, 3 AST, 2 STL
March 4, 1992, Rodman set a Detroit Pistons record with 34 rebounds in a 110-107 win over the Indiana Pacers in Auburn Hills, Mich. This feat was achieved as Isiah Thomas added five of his 31 points during overtime. Rodman’s 34 rebounds surpassed Bob Lanier’s previous club record of 33, set in 1972, and was the best rebounding performance in the NBA in nearly four years, since Charles Oakley grabbed 35 for the Chicago Bulls on April 22, 1988.
Rodman’s total also included a record 18 offensive rebounds, surpassing the previous team record of 13 set by Earl Williams on January 2, 1976. Though Rodman fell short of Moses Malone’s NBA record of 21 offensive rebounds, his dominance on the boards was evident as the Pistons out-rebounded the Pacers 58-38, with an 8-0 advantage in overtime.
Pacer Coach Bob Hill remarked, “The final analysis is that the rebounding took its toll. We didn’t keep them off the boards, but (Dennis) Rodman’s a freak of nature. He keeps coming and coming, like Joe Frazier when he fought Ali.” Despite leading the NBA in rebounding and becoming emotional upon breaking Lanier’s record, Rodman modestly attributed his success to being in the right place at the right time. “I got emotional because when you work so hard to accomplish something, it is a great feeling when it finally pays off,” he said. The Pistons completed a strong home stand, winning four out of five games, and are now heading west for a five-game road trip.
