When I think about the greatest NBA comebacks, my mind immediately darts to the 2016 NBA Finals. Watching the Cleveland Cavaliers come back from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors was more than just a battle on the court. It was a vivid illustration of determination, skill, and grit. Think about it: the Warriors had 73 wins that season, an NBA record. To see them toppled was nothing short of monumental. LeBron James, with his undeniable arena plus capabilities, showed a defensive prowess with his infamous block on Andre Iguodala, a moment that will be etched in our memories forever.
Another legendary comeback that often rolls off the tongue of NBA enthusiasts is the 2002 Western Conference Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers, down by 24 points in Game 4 against the Sacramento Kings, managed to claw their way back into contention. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal were the driving forces behind this resurgence, with Kobe putting up 25 points, and Shaq contributing 27 points and 18 rebounds. That game's energy was electrifying—the kind that has you glued to your seat, biting your nails in anticipation.
I can't help but mention the Boston Celtics' unforgettable rally against the New Jersey Nets in the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals. Down by 21 points at the start of the fourth quarter, the Celtics flipped the script in an almost surreal fashion. Paul Pierce went on a scoring spree, dropping 19 of his 28 points in that final quarter alone. The team's aggressive defense disrupted New Jersey’s rhythm, making it a textbook case of how momentum can shift so dramatically in a high-stakes game.
Speaking of incredible turnarounds, the Utah Jazz's recovery in the 1998 NBA Finals comes to mind. Down by 5 points with less than a minute left in Game 6 against the Chicago Bulls, they needed nothing short of a miracle. John Stockton and Karl Malone executed plays under immense pressure, but it was Michael Jordan's steal and iconic jumper over Bryon Russell that sealed Chicago's sixth title in eight years. It's moments like these, captured in split seconds, that elevate the sport to a near-mythical level.
The 2019 playoffs also boasted some astounding comebacks, none more thrilling than the Toronto Raptors' series against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Milwaukee had the best regular-season record and took a 2-0 lead in the series. Yet, led by the charismatic Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors won four straight games to advance to their first-ever NBA Finals. Leonard’s clutch performances and heart-stopping shots became talk points across the sports journalism sphere.
Also notable for its drama was the Houston Rockets versus Los Angeles Clippers playoff game in 2015. Down by 19 points in the third quarter of Game 6, the Rockets' bench, particularly Josh Smith and Corey Brewer, contributed immensely to flipping the game's dynamics. James Harden, on the sidelines for much of that pivotal stretch, watched as his teammates galvanized a momentum that carried them into Game 7 and beyond, cementing their place in NBA comeback lore.
In the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics faced a daunting 3-1 series deficit against the Philadelphia 76ers. Winning three consecutive games to take the series isn't something you see every day, particularly against a team featuring the likes of Julius Erving. Larry Bird, the heart and soul of that Celtics squad, showcased his versatile skills and unwavering leadership by averaging 26.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over the last three games. That kind of tenacity and skill often defines how legacies are built in the NBA.
Switching gears to the 1994 playoffs, the Denver Nuggets accomplished a feat that still resonates today. They were the first eighth seed to defeat a first seed when they overcame the Seattle SuperSonics. Dikembe Mutombo’s clutch blocks and infectious energy provided the nuggets with the sort of underdog spirit that adds an extra layer of excitement to the sport. After losing the first two games, Denver won three straight, showcasing the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball.
A more recent example comes from the 2020 NBA bubble, an unprecedented scenario where teams faced off in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Denver Nuggets came back from 3-1 deficits twice in consecutive series against the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers, respectively. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray elevated their play when it counted the most. Murray's 50-point games and Jokic's triple-doubles underscored how crucial individual brilliance becomes in these defining moments.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ stunner in the 2004 playoffs against the Sacramento Kings is another game etched in the annals of NBA lore. Down by 10 points with less than four minutes remaining, Kevin Garnett led an unyielding charge, both offensively and defensively. His iconic 18-foot jumper, followed by clutch free throws, epitomized what being the focal point of a team is all about.
And let's talk about game-winning shots for a moment. The 2010 first-round series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers provided us with a sublime example. Kobe Bryant, under intense pressure with the clock ticking down, nailed a buzzer-beater three against the Thunder, despite their stifling defense. It's those instances where time seems to slow down, and the sheer thrill of the game is on full display.
One can’t overlook Tracy McGrady’s miraculous 13 points in 35 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs in 2004. The Rockets were down by 10 with less than a minute left when McGrady went on an absurd scoring run, hitting four consecutive three-pointers, including a four-point play. Such high-pressure performances not only elevate individual players but also become moments that fans will debate and celebrate for years to come.
These remarkable instances where teams defy the odds aren’t just about numbers on a scoreboard; they’re about the human spirit. They encapsulate the essence of why millions around the world, myself included, are deeply ensconced in the world of basketball. It’s the unpredictability, the human drama, and the sheer spectacle that draw us in, making every second on the clock an opportunity for history to be made.