Sports & Athletes

NBA History: Most Iconic 4th Quarter 20-Point Comebacks

A curated list of the most remarkable regular-season and playoff games in NBA history where teams overcame a deficit of 20 points or more specifically within the fourth quarter, showcasing resilience and clutch performance.

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Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat (2022 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 5)

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The Celtics overcame a 28-point deficit, the largest in NBA playoff history, to win in double overtime. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led a historic rally, forcing a Game 6 and keeping their championship hopes alive in a legendary series.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons (2007 NBA Playoffs, Game 2)

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LeBron James led a 30-point comeback against the 1-seed Pistons in the playoffs. This victory was pivotal in the Cavaliers' historic upset of the undefeated regular-season team, marking one of the biggest upsets in NBA playoff history.

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Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers (2017-18 Regular Season)

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Stephen Curry led a massive 30-point comeback, including a record-breaking performance in the fourth quarter. The Warriors erased a huge deficit to secure a crucial victory, highlighting the team's relentless offensive firepower and depth during that dominant season.

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Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets (2023 NBA Playoffs, Game 2)

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Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets back from a 30-point deficit to win a critical Western Conference Semifinals game. This comeback signaled a shift in momentum for Denver, demonstrating their ability to overcome elite defensive pressure in high-stakes playoff environments.

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Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers (1995 NBA Playoffs, Game 1)

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Michael Jordan orchestrated a 30-point comeback against the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This win was crucial in the Bulls' eventual series victory and showcased Jordan's leadership and scoring ability in high-pressure playoff scenarios.

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Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs (2008 NBA Playoffs, Game 1)

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Kobe Bryant and the Lakers overcame a 30-point deficit to beat the defending champions. This gritty win set the tone for a tough seven-game series, highlighting the Lakers' resilience and Kobe's determination to advance past a formidable opponent.

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Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets (2021-22 Regular Season)

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Devin Booker led the Suns on a 22-point comeback in the fourth quarter against a high-powered Nuggets team. The game showcased Booker's clutch shooting and leadership, securing a vital win for Phoenix's playoff positioning in a competitive Western Conference.

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Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks (2018 NBA Playoffs, Game 5)

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The Heat overcame a 21-point deficit to force a decisive Game 6 in the first round. This victory kept Miami's season alive, exemplifying their reputation for tenacity and ability to thrive in high-pressure, elimination-game scenarios.

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Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors (2019 NBA Playoffs, Game 5)

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Joel Embiid led the Sixers on a 22-point comeback in a critical Eastern Conference Semifinals game. The win shifted momentum in the series, showcasing Embiid's growing impact and the team's ability to respond under playoff pressure.

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Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies (2012 NBA Playoffs, Game 1)

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James Harden and Dwight Howard led the Rockets past the Grizzlies after a 22-point deficit. This victory was essential in the Rockets' eventual series win, highlighting the emergence of Harden as a superstar player in the postseason.

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Utah Jazz vs Houston Rockets (2021 NBA Playoffs, Game 3)

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Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz on a 20-point comeback against the Rockets in the first round. The win kept Utah's series alive, demonstrating their shooting prowess and ability to perform when facing elimination in a tightly contested matchup.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets (2023 NBA Playoffs, Game 1)

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Luka Dončić led the Mavericks on a 20-point comeback in a crucial Western Conference First Round game. The victory provided early momentum for Dallas, showcasing Dončić's ability to single-handedly change the outcome of a high-stakes playoff contest.

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Brooklyn Nets vs Atlanta Hawks (2021 NBA Playoffs, Game 2)

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Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving led the Nets to a 20-point comeback victory over the Hawks. The win was pivotal in the series, highlighting the star power and offensive efficiency of Brooklyn's supermax players in a critical playoff environment.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks (2018 NBA Playoffs, Game 6)

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Anthony Davis led the Pelicans on a 20-point comeback to force a Game 7 in the first round. Although they ultimately lost the series, this win showcased Davis's dominance and the team's resilience in a highly competitive and physical playoff series.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics (2022 NBA Playoffs, Game 6)

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Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks on a 20-point comeback in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The win kept Milwaukee's season alive, demonstrating their ability to respond to adversity and maintain their status as a top-tier contender in the East.

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Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat (2021 NBA Playoffs, Game 7)

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LaMelo Ball and the Hornets fell short in a Game 7, but prior comebacks in the series were notable. The team showed resilience throughout the first-round series against the Heat, highlighting their developing core's ability to stay competitive in high-stakes games.

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Sacramento Kings vs Denver Nuggets (2021 NBA Playoffs, Game 2)

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De'Aaron Fox led the Kings on a 20-point comeback in a critical game against the Nuggets. The win kept Sacramento's season alive, showcasing Fox's speed and scoring ability in a playoff setting and highlighting the team's potential.

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Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls (1998 NBA Playoffs, Game 3)

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Reggie Miller led the Pacers on a 20-point comeback against the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. This victory kept the series competitive against the dominant Bulls, showcasing Miller's clutch performance and leadership in a historic playoff era.

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Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat (2021 NBA Playoffs, Game 4)

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Trae Young led the Hawks on a 20-point comeback in a pivotal game against the Heat. The win shifted momentum in the series, demonstrating Young's scoring ability and the team's capacity to overcome significant deficits in high-pressure playoff games.

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets (2018 NBA Playoffs, Game 6)

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Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves on a 20-point comeback in a must-win game against the Rockets. Although they lost the series, this win showcased Towns' versatility and scoring ability in a high-stakes playoff environment.