Curious about the most unforgettable comebacks in basketball? You’re in the right place.
This piece dives into the most thrilling comebacks during the regular season, playoffs, and NBA Finals.
We’ll reveal the winner of the Comeback Player of the Year Award and uncover the lessons these remarkable comebacks teach us. Also, we’ll highlight some jaw-dropping moments from the best comebacks the NBA has ever seen.
Prepare for some captivating tales as we explore the top 10 comebacks in NBA history.
Biggest Regular Season Comeback in NBA History
The Utah Jazz staged the biggest regular season comeback in NBA history on November 27, 1996.
They turned a 36-point deficit into a win against the Denver Nuggets.
This game stands out as a highlight in sports history. Down 36 in the third period, the Utah Jazz faced a massive challenge.
Karl Malone sparked the turnaround, scoring 31 points in total. The Utah Jazz and their effort and skill turned the game around, showcasing their resilience. This victory marked the first time a team had erased a 36-point gap in the NBA, highlighting the Jazz‘s determination.
This comeback left a lasting mark on the NBA, showing that no lead is safe. It encouraged teams to fight until the end.
The Jazz‘s success continued, leading them to the Western Conference Finals and ultimately the NBA Finals, where they went on to lose to the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan, that season.
Remembered as a monumental moment, this comeback underlines the importance of teamwork and perseverance. It proves that overcoming the odds is always possible.
Biggest Comeback in NBA Playoff History – Los Angeles Clippers Masterclass
In a stunning turn of events during the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers staged an unforgettable 31-point comeback against the Golden State Warriors in 2019’s first-round Game 2.
With the Warriors leading by 31 in the third quarter, victory seemed assured for them.
However, the Clippers, driven by Kawhi Leonard‘s remarkable performance, steadily eroded the Warriors’ lead. They surged ahead in the fourth quarter, clinching the game and becoming the winning team, with a final score of 135-131.
This remarkable comeback stands as a testament to the Clippers‘ resilience and determination, showcasing their refusal to concede defeat even in the face of overwhelming odds.
It also marked a significant upset for the Warriors, a favorite for the playoffs, highlighting the unpredictable nature of basketball.
This game shifted perceptions in NBA playoff history, proving that no lead is too great to overcome and igniting hope in teams facing daunting deficits.
Biggest Comebacks in NBA Finals History
In NBA Finals lore, the most monumental comeback is undoubtedly the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, rallying from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in 2016. This achievement was historic, marking the first time a team had ever overturned such a deficit in the Finals.
Another unforgettable moment occurred during the 2008 NBA Finals Game 4, where the Boston Celtics faced the Los Angeles Lakers.
Trailing by 24 points with less than nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Celtics orchestrated a stunning comeback. Led by Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, who together scored 57 points (Pierce with 41 and Allen with 16), this comeback is celebrated as the “Miracle of the Garden.”
These comebacks are pivotal chapters in NBA Finals history, demonstrating that no lead is insurmountable. They exemplify how resilience, hard work, and strategic play can turn the tide, offering teams a lesson in overcoming adversity.
The Cavaliers and Celtics not only secured their victories but also inspired countless others with their remarkable comebacks.
Biggest 4th Quarter Comeback in NBA History
The Toronto Raptors staged an extraordinary 4th quarter comeback, one of the most memorable in NBA history, by erasing a 30-point deficit against the Dallas Mavericks in 2019.
Kyle Lowry‘s exceptional defense and critical three-pointers fueled the Raptors‘ surge from behind in the third quarter, leading to a thrilling 110-107 victory.
Lowry’s performance was outstanding, scoring 32 points, dishing out 10 assists, and grabbing 10 rebounds to secure a triple-double.
His effort included incredible shots, highlighted by a buzzer-beater three and crucial free throws in the dying moments of the game.
This victory not only secured the Raptors the top spot in the Eastern Conference but also extended their winning streak to eight games, showcasing their resilience and fighting spirit.
Biggest Comeback in the Final Two Minutes
In the 2007 NBA playoffs, Tracy McGrady led an epic comeback for the Houston Rockets against the San Antonio Spurs.
Down by double digits with under two minutes left in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals, McGrady scored 13 points in a stunning display of skill and determination, flipping the game to win 81-80 and force a Game 7.
McGrady’s performance included clutch three-pointers, jump shots, and free throws, overcoming the San Antonio Spurs‘ defensive strategies.
This moment not only highlighted McGrady’s clutch abilities but also etched the game into NBA lore as a legendary comeback.
Comeback Player of the Year Award
The NBA’s Comeback Player of the Year Award, active from 1981 to 1986, honored players who made significant returns from injury or poor performance.
Recipients like Bernard King, Paul Westphal, and Gus Williams exemplified resilience by rebounding from serious injuries or slumps to excel on the court again.
Criteria for the award included overcoming major hurdles, the time spent away from play, and the player’s contribution to their team’s success.
This accolade highlighted the league’s respect for perseverance and the inspirational journeys of athletes striving to regain their top form.
The award underscored the value of persistence, hard work, and a positive mindset in overcoming obstacles. It celebrated comeback stories, encouraging players to persist against the odds, and reminding everyone that achieving greatness is possible with dedication and determination.
Summary of the Greatest Comebacks in NBA History
The Utah Jazz and their historic 36-point rally against the Denver Nuggets in 1996 stands as the pinnacle of NBA comebacks, illustrating the incredible resilience NBA teams can muster. Yet, this is just one of many jaw-dropping turnarounds the league has witnessed.
In 2009, the Boston Celtics mounted a 24-point comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Miami Heat overcame a 23-point deficit against the Chicago Bulls in 2012.
The Los Angeles Lakers‘ 16-point comeback against the Sacramento Kings in 2002 and the Phoenix Suns‘ reversal of a 22-point deficit against the Dallas Mavericks in 2012 are equally memorable.
These comebacks, particularly striking in the fourth quarter, underscore the unpredictable nature of basketball. Notably, the Los Angeles Clippers‘ 28-point comeback against the Golden State Warriors in 2019 further cemented the idea that no lead is ever secure.
These historic comebacks highlight the relentless spirit and determination of NBA teams in the face of adversity. They remind us that the game isn’t over until the final buzzer, showcasing the incredible come-from-behind victories that have become legendary in the sport’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest comeback in NBA history?
Without a doubt, the NBA’s most memorable comeback has to be when the Utah Jazz came back from 36 points down against the Denver Nuggets in 1996; their tenacity and resilience were inspirational as they battled to snag an incredible 107-103 win.
What is the biggest 4th quarter comeback?
Paul Pierce led an impressive 26-point fourth-quarter comeback against the New Jersey Nets in 2002 to win Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals by a score of 94–90.
Even more recently, the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors erased 28- and 23-point defects respectively to make incredible fourth-quarter comebacks to write their names in NBA history.
What is the biggest lead in NBA history?
The biggest lead in NBA history happened on December 3rd, 2021 when the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder by a whopping 73 points. Ja Morant’s iconic performance was the catalyst for an unforgettable night for basketball fans everywhere.
What is the biggest 4th quarter comeback?
The biggest fourth-quarter comeback in NBA history is an incredible feat of resilience and determination – Paul Pierce’s 26-point comeback, leading the Boston Celtics to a win against the New Jersey Nets in 2002.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors have also pulled off impressive fourth-quarter comebacks in recent years.
