NBA Teams That Have Come Back From a 3–1 Series Deficits
The NBA playoffs are known for their intense, high-stakes matchups, where teams fight tooth and nail to advance to the next round. One of the most impressive feats in playoff history is coming back from a 3–1 series deficit, where a team needs to win three games in a row to secure victory. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at NBA teams that have successfully mounted this incredible comeback. NBA Teams
2016 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ comeback against the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals is perhaps the most famous 3–1 comeback in NBA history. After falling behind 3–1 in the series, the Cavaliers rallied behind LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and a gritty team effort to win three games in a row and secure the franchise’s first-ever championship. NBA Teams
2020 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets’ 3–1 comeback against the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2020 NBA playoffs was a stunning display of resilience and determination. After dropping the first three games of the series, the Nuggets won three games in a row, led by the outstanding play of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, to advance to the second round.
2015 Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets’ comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2015 Western Conference Semifinals was an impressive display of perseverance and clutch play. After falling behind 3–1 in the series, the Rockets won three games in a row, including a memorable Game 6 comeback where they overcame a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force a Game 7, which they ultimately won.
2003 Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons’ 3–1 comeback against the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2003 NBA playoffs was a true team effort, with multiple players stepping up to make crucial plays down the stretch. After dropping the first two games of the series at home, the Pistons won three games in a row to advance to the second round.
1995 Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets’ 3–1 comeback against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 1995 NBA playoffs was a testament to the team’s resilience and mental toughness. Led by future Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, the Rockets won three games in a row, including a thrilling Game 7 that went into overtime, to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
In conclusion, coming back from a 3–1 series deficit is an incredibly difficult feat in the NBA playoffs, but these five teams have shown that it can be done with the right mix of talent, resilience, and determination. These comebacks serve as a reminder of the drama and excitement that the NBA playoffs can bring, and they will no doubt continue to inspire future generations of basketball fans. Learn More
