The 10 Greatest Comebacks in NBA History
Basketball is not just a sport; it’s a saga of human emotion, willpower, and raw athleticism. For fans and players alike, the NBA offers more than mere games—it offers narratives. Within these narratives, the comeback story holds a special place in our hearts.
It’s the epitome of suspense, where the underdog rises and the seemingly invincible fall. Here, we take a journey through the 10 greatest comebacks in NBA history, moments that have etched themselves into the annals of the sport.
No Data1. Boston Celtics vs. New Jersey Nets (2002 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 3)
In one of the most stunning turnarounds in NBA history, the Boston Celtics came back from a 21-point deficit in the final quarter. Led by Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker, the Celtics outscored the Nets 41-16 in the fourth quarter. The crowd roared as Pierce’s spectacular performance turned what seemed like an inevitable defeat into a 94-90 victory.
2. Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (2016 Western Conference Finals)
Down 3-1 in the series, the 73-win Golden State Warriors were on the verge of a postseason collapse. However, led by the Splash Brothers—Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson—they rallied back to win the series in 7 games. Thompson’s Game 6 performance was legendary, dropping 41 points with 11 three-pointers, forcing a Game 7 that they would eventually win.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors (2016 NBA Finals)
In the same year that the Warriors made their improbable comeback, they found themselves on the opposite end of history. The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, came back from a 3-1 deficit against a Warriors team that had the best regular-season record in NBA history. LeBron’s iconic block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 is one of the most unforgettable moments in NBA history.
4. LA Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies (2012 Western Conference First Round, Game 1)
Down by as many as 27 points, the LA Clippers orchestrated an incredible comeback against the Memphis Grizzlies. Nick Young’s three consecutive 3-pointers in the final minutes silenced the Memphis crowd, turning the game into a 99-98 win for the Clippers. This comeback set the tone for the series, which the Clippers won in seven games.
5. Phoenix Suns vs. LA Lakers (2006 Western Conference First Round)
The Suns, led by Steve Nash, were down 3-1 against the Lakers. With Kobe Bryant in prime form, it seemed like the series was all but over. However, Phoenix won the next three games, culminating in an overtime thriller in Game 6, before taking Game 7 in a blowout.
6. Houston Rockets vs. LA Clippers (2015 Western Conference Semifinals)
Down 3-1 in the series and trailing by 19 points in the third quarter of Game 6, the Rockets staged a miraculous comeback. Led by an unexpected hero, Josh Smith, Houston surged in the fourth quarter to win 119-107. They won Game 7 convincingly, completing one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory.
7. Detroit Pistons vs. San Antonio Spurs (2005 NBA Finals, Game 5)
Regulation wasn’t enough to settle this showdown. The game went into overtime—twice. Despite facing immense pressure, the Detroit Pistons managed to outlast the Spurs in a game that would go down as one of the most thrilling Finals games ever. The Pistons’ tenacity evened the series at 2-2, though they would eventually lose the Finals in seven games.
8. Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs (2013 NBA Finals, Game 6)
LeBron James and the Miami Heat were on the brink of losing the Finals when Ray Allen hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA history—a game-tying 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Heat won in overtime and ultimately claimed the championship in Game 7.
9. Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers (1992 NBA Finals, Game 6)
Michael Jordan and the Bulls were down by 15 points going into the fourth quarter. Fueled by a phenomenal effort from the bench, especially Scottie Pippen, the Bulls staged a furious comeback to clinch their second consecutive NBA championship.
10. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2008 NBA Finals, Game 4)
Down 24 points in the first half and 20 points in the third quarter, the Boston Celtics shocked the LA Lakers with an awe-inspiring comeback. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett spearheaded the turnaround, eventually winning 97-91. The Celtics would go on to win the series, giving the franchise its 17th championship.
In the NBA, it’s never over until it’s over. These memorable comebacks not only entertain us but also serve as lessons in resilience, determination, and the sheer power of human will. After all, isn’t overcoming insurmountable odds what sports—and life—are all about?