Sports & Athletes

Most Iconic Comeback Wins in NBA Playoff History

A curated collection of the most dramatic rallies and improbable reversals in NBA postseason history. This list highlights games and series where teams overcame massive deficits through grit, legendary performances, and clutch shot-making to secure victory.

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2016 NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors

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The greatest series comeback in history, where Cleveland overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat a 73-win Warriors team. Featuring LeBron James and Kyrie Irving's clutch play, this victory ended a 52-year championship drought for the city of Cleveland.

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2004 Western Conference Semifinals: LA Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs

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In Game 6, the Lakers trailed by 16 points with only a few minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. A furious late-game rally led by Kobe Bryant forced overtime, allowing the Lakers to steal a win and shift the momentum.

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1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals: New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls

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The Knicks demonstrated immense resilience in Game 7, fighting back from double-digit deficits to eliminate the Bulls. This series is remembered for its physical intensity and the Knicks' ability to withstand Chicago's offensive surges.

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2021 Eastern Conference First Round: Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

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The Nets faced a daunting challenge in Game 7, trailing by significant margins throughout the second half. A late-game explosion of three-pointers allowed them to erase the lead and advance in a high-scoring thriller.

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2013 NBA Finals: Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs

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While a game-specific comeback, Game 6 saw the Heat fighting back from a deficit in the final minutes. Ray Allen's legendary corner three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left is one of the most clutch shots in sports history.

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1988 Eastern Conference Finals: Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics

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The 'Bad Boys' Pistons overcame a late lead by the Celtics in Game 3, signaling a changing of the guard in the East. Their defensive intensity allowed them to erase a lead and eventually win the series.

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2001 Eastern Conference First Round: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors

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Allen Iverson led one of the most inspiring individual-led comebacks in Game 5. After trailing by double digits, Iverson's scoring outburst fueled a rally that propelled the 76ers toward their eventual Finals appearance.

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2010 Eastern Conference First Round: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat

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In Game 5, the Celtics trailed by 22 points in the second half. They mounted a massive comeback to win the game, showcasing the championship experience and mental toughness of the 'Big Three' era.

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2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers

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Game 7 featured a heart-stopping finish where Toronto trailed late. Kawhi Leonard hit a historic buzzer-beating shot that bounced four times before going in, completing a dramatic late-game surge to win the series.

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1972 NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks

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The Lakers faced a deficit in Game 5, fighting back from a double-digit hole in the closing minutes. Wilt Chamberlain's dominance inside allowed the Lakers to reclaim the lead and secure a pivotal win.