List of 13 NBA teams to come back from 3-1 deficit in finals and playoffs combined
Plenty of NBA fans know the feeling of dread that sets in when their team falls behind 3-1 in a playoff series. History tells us it's an almost insurmountable deficit. But for a lucky few teams, it's become a launching pad for an incredible comeback.
Here's a look at the 13 squads that stared elimination in the face and emerged victorious.
List of 13 NBA teams to come back from 3-1 deficit in NBA Finals or playoffs
These comebacks are the stuff of legend, showcasing resilience, tactical adjustments and maybe even a sprinkle of luck.
#1, 1968 Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Eastern Division finals
The end of the road for Bill Russell saw a bumpy ride to be sure. The Boston Celtics were down 3-1 in the Eastern Division finals to the Philadelphia 76ers of Wilt Chamberlain. Fueled by the lure of a title, they ran off three straight and then topped the LA Lakers in the NBA Finals.
#2, 1970 LA Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns, Western Division semifinals
Wilt Chamberlain and the Lakers rattled off three straight wins, showcasing the firepower that would take them to the NBA Finals (although they fell to the Knicks).
#3, 1979 Washington Bullets vs. San Antonio Spurs, Eastern Conference finals
The Washington Bullets of Wes Unseld found themselves overmatched as they took on the San Antonio Spurs in the Eastern Conference finals. However, they dug deep and ripped three in a row, including a closeout Game 7 on the road, to get to the finals (which they lost to the Seattle SuperSonics).
#4, 1981 Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Eastern Conference finals
The Celtics fell in Game 1 of the conference finals at Boston Garden to the Sixers but took Game 2. The Sixers won the next two games in Philadelphia for a 3-1 series lead. However, the Celtics won the final three games, the first two by just two points and Game 7 91–90 to claim the conference. The Celtics then went on to defeat the Houston Rockets in six games to win the NBA Finals.
#5, 1995 Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns, Western Conference semifinals
Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets were relentless against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals. Down 3-1, they unleashed their signature "small ball" offense, winning three straight. "Clutch City" swept the Shaquille O'Neal-led Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals.
#6, 1997 Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks, Eastern Conference semifinals
An unlikely underdog, the Heat, guided by Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway, fell behind 3-1 against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, they fed off the energy from the home crowd as they picked up three consecutive close wins to move forward.
#7, 2003 Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic, Eastern Conference first round
The Indiana Pacers were the favorites in the Eastern Conference semifinals, going up 3-1 over the Detroit Pistons. Detroit's unbeatable defense held the Pacers to less than 80 points in three consecutive games (one of which was that miraculous Game 4 win in Indy ) on the way to reaching the conference finals.
#8, 2006 Phoenix Suns vs. LA Lakers, Western Conference first round
With Steve Nash leading as a playmaker of a balanced offense, the Suns were pushed to the brink against the LA Lakers in the first round. Not to be flat-out embarrassed in the first round, they took the next three and eventually reached the Western Conference finals.
#9, 2015 Houston Rockets vs. LA Clippers, Western Conference semifinals
James Harden's scoring explosion wasn't enough early against the LA Clippers in the Western Conference semifinals. But the Rockets flipped the script, winning three straight games, including a dominant Game 7 at home, to reach the conference finals.
#10. 2016 Golden State Warriors vs. OKC Thunder, Western Conference finals
Led by MVP Stephen Curry, the Warriors overcame a 3-1 deficit against superstar Kevin Durant and the OKC Thunder. The backcourt of Curry and Klay Thompson and the stellar defense from Draymond Green helped them complete a comeback for the record books and bring home the first championship of the dynasty era.
#11, 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors, NBA Finals
LeBron James wouldn't be denied. Down 3-1, this time to the Warriors in the NBA Finals, James delivered iconic performances, including a triple-double in Game 7. Kyrie Irving's clutch shooting and Kevin Love's rebounding were also crucial in this improbable comeback, giving Cleveland its first NBA championship.
#12, 2020 Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz, Western Conference first round
The Denver Nuggets' stirring playoff ability was on full display in the bubble playoffs. In the first-round series vs. Utah, Jamal Murray went for 31.6 points per game with fireworks of 36, 42 and two 50-pieces. After an initial overtime win, Denver lost three straight but then rallied to win the final three games by 10, 12 and two points.
#13. 2020 Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers, Western Conference semifinals
The Clippers whipped the Denver Nuggets in Game 1, but Jamal Murray and the guys came back to take a 110–101 Game 2 win. The tables turned after Game 1 as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the new stars in L.A. had their efforts undone by Murray and Nikola Jokić, one year away from winning his MVP, holding their own in the frontcourt. They won Game 5 by a six-point margin and rolled in the final two matchups to seal their place in the conference finals.