Coming back from a 3-1 deficit in an NBA playoff series is one of the most challenging and exhilarating feats in sports. While no team has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit, 13 teams have managed to win a series after trailing 3-1. This article takes you through these incredible comebacks, highlighting the teams and players who made history.
A Rare and Historic Achievement in NBA Finals
Overcoming a 3-1 deficit isn’t just rare; it’s nearly mythical. In the history of the NBA playoffs, teams that go up 3-1 in a best-of-seven series have a winning percentage of 95.2%, with a record of 258-13. Despite these overwhelming odds, 13 teams have defied the statistics, demonstrating resilience, determination, and a never-give-up attitude.
The Trailblazers: Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics were the first team to mount such a comeback. In the 1968 Eastern Division Finals, they faced the defending champion Philadelphia 76ers. After winning the first game, the Celtics lost the next three. However, led by Bill Russell, Sam Jones, and John Havlicek, the Celtics won the next three games, culminating in a nail-biting Game 7 victory. They then went on to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, adding another championship to their trophy case.
The Magnificent Thirteen
Here’s a detailed look at all 13 teams that have made this remarkable comeback:
1968 Eastern Division Finals: Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- Winning Team: Boston Celtics
- Notable Players: Bill Russell, Sam Jones, John Havlicek
- Outcome: Celtics win series 4-3
The 1968 Boston Celtics, led by legends like Bill Russell, Sam Jones, and John Havlicek, were the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit. Facing the defending champion Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics won the first game but then dropped the next three. Refusing to give up, they battled back to win three consecutive games, including a thrilling Game 7 in Philadelphia. This victory propelled them to the Finals, where they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to secure another championship.
1970 Western Division Semifinals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
- Winning Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Outcome: Lakers win series 4-3
In 1970, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Phoenix Suns in the Western Division Semifinals. The Lakers, featuring stars like Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain, fell behind 3-1 but rallied to win the next three games. Their comeback was marked by dominant performances and clutch plays, ultimately securing their place in the Western Division Finals.
1979 Eastern Conference Finals: Washington Bullets vs. San Antonio Spurs
- Winning Team: Washington Bullets
- Outcome: Bullets win series 4-3
The Washington Bullets found themselves in a 3-1 hole against the San Antonio Spurs in the 1979 Eastern Conference Finals. Led by Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld, the Bullets showed incredible resilience, winning three straight games to clinch the series. Their Game 7 victory was particularly memorable, as they overcame a strong Spurs team to advance to the NBA Finals.
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1981 Eastern Conference Finals: Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- Winning Team: Boston Celtics
- Outcome: Celtics win series 4-3
In a repeat of their 1968 heroics, the Boston Celtics once again overcame a 3-1 deficit, this time against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics, featuring Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale, fought back with determination and skill, winning three consecutive games to advance to the NBA Finals, where they secured another championship.
1995 Western Conference Semifinals: Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns
- Winning Team: Houston Rockets
- Outcome: Rockets win series 4-3
The 1995 Houston Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, found themselves down 3-1 against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. Displaying the heart of a champion, the Rockets clawed their way back, winning three straight games. Their Game 7 victory was a testament to their resilience and Olajuwon’s dominance, helping them continue their journey to eventually win the NBA championship.
1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks
- Winning Team: Miami Heat
- Notable Players: Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning
- Outcome: Heat win series 4-3
In 1997, the Miami Heat faced a tough New York Knicks team in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Down 3-1, the Heat, led by Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning, showed incredible tenacity. They won three consecutive games, including a decisive Game 7 where Hardaway scored 38 points. Their comeback was a highlight in franchise history, although they eventually fell to the Chicago Bulls in the conference finals.
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2003 Eastern Conference First Round: Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic
- Winning Team: Detroit Pistons
- Outcome: Pistons win series 4-3
The 2003 Detroit Pistons, featuring Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace, were down 3-1 against the Orlando Magic in the first round. The Pistons showcased their grit and defensive prowess, winning three straight games to take the series. Their comeback was a key moment in their journey towards becoming a dominant team in the Eastern Conference.
2006 Western Conference First Round: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Winning Team: Phoenix Suns
- Outcome: Suns win series 4-3
The Phoenix Suns, led by Steve Nash, faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2006 Western Conference First Round. Down 3-1, the Suns’ high-paced offense and Nash’s leadership propelled them to three straight victories. Their comeback was highlighted by strong performances from Nash and Shawn Marion, allowing them to advance to the next round.
2015 Western Conference Semifinals: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
- Winning Team: Houston Rockets
- Outcome: Rockets win series 4-3
In 2015, the Houston Rockets, featuring James Harden and Dwight Howard, faced a 3-1 deficit against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Rockets mounted a stunning comeback, winning three consecutive games. Their Game 6 win was particularly dramatic, as they overcame a 19-point deficit to force a Game 7, which they won decisively.
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2016 Western Conference Finals: Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Winning Team: Golden State Warriors
- Notable Players: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson
- Outcome: Warriors win series 4-3
The 2016 Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, were down 3-1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Klay Thompson’s heroic 41-point performance in Game 6, dubbed “Game 6 Klay,” and the Warriors’ tenacious defense helped them win three straight games. Their comeback led them to the NBA Finals.
2016 NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
- Winning Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
- Notable Players: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving
- Outcome: Cavaliers win series 4-3
- Significance: Only team to come back from 3-1 in the NBA Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 comeback against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals is one of the most iconic in sports history. Down 3-1, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving delivered back-to-back 41-point games in Games 5 and 6. LeBron’s legendary chase-down block and Kyrie’s clutch three-pointer in Game 7 secured the Cavaliers’ first NBA championship and ended Cleveland’s 52-year title drought.
2020 Western Conference First Round: Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz
- Winning Team: Denver Nuggets
- Notable Players: Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokić
- Outcome: Nuggets win series 4-3
The Denver Nuggets, led by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić, faced a 3-1 deficit against the Utah Jazz in the 2020 Western Conference First Round. Murray’s scoring prowess and Jokić’s all-around play helped the Nuggets win three straight games, including a tense Game 7 that they won 80-78. This comeback marked the beginning of a historic playoff run.
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2020 Western Conference Semifinals: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
- Winning Team: Denver Nuggets
- Outcome: Nuggets win series 4-3
- Significance: Only team to do it twice in the same postseason
In the 2020 Western Conference Semifinals, the Denver Nuggets again found themselves down 3-1, this time against the Los Angeles Clippers. Murray and Jokić led the charge, with Jokić’s Game 7 triple-double (16 points, 22 rebounds, 13 assists) sealing the victory. The Nuggets became the first team in NBA history to come back from 3-1 deficits in consecutive series.
FAQs
How many NBA teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit in playoff history?
A total of 13 NBA teams have successfully come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a playoff series.
Which team was the first to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA playoffs?
The Boston Celtics were the first team to achieve this feat, coming back against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1968 Eastern Division Finals.
Has any team ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals?
Yes, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the only team to do so, overcoming the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.
Conclusion
Overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the NBA playoffs is a testament to a team’s resilience, talent, and mental toughness. While it remains a rare occurrence, the teams that have accomplished this feat have provided some of the most thrilling moments in basketball history. Whether it’s the historic comeback by the Boston Celtics in 1968, the Cavaliers’ legendary triumph in 2016, or the Denver Nuggets’ remarkable double in 2020, these stories continue to inspire and excite basketball fans around the world.
