There’s a reason Steph Curry said an NBA playoff game is like two regular season games in terms of how difficult the postseason is. The pace slows, more fouls, more misses, and teams are more reliant on their superstars. And there are dramatic turn of events where one team takes a huge lead early in the game, gets comfortable and sees that lead dwindle as the opponent figures things out; forcing fans to the edge of their seat (or couch).

Playoff basketball is a different animal—every possession matters, every mistake feels bigger, and momentum can swing faster than anywhere else in sports. Some of the biggest comebacks in NBA playoff history didn’t just happen because of hot shooting; they happened because teams refused to fold, superstars dug deep, and the pressure cooked teams into making mistakes. 

The Biggest NBA Playoff Comebacks Ever

Every fan has been on either side of an amazing comeback. The joy and the pain. The highs that come with your team completely destroying the opponent; seemingly hitting every shot and getting every loose ball only for that team to be on the other side of that in the second half. 

Playoff comebacks are their own kind of chaos—the energy shifts, the crowd wakes up (or falls silent), and suddenly every possession feels like it could swing history. It’s not just about big shots or lucky breaks either; it’s about teams finding another gear when it matters most and stars refusing to let the season end. From second-half surges to fourth-quarter miracles, these games remind us why no lead is ever truly safe once the playoffs tip off. Let’s take a look back at some of the wildest playoff turnarounds ever.

1. LA Clippers’ 31 point Comeback vs. Warriors (2019)

​On April 15, 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers orchestrated the largest comeback in NBA playoff history, overcoming a 31-point deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors 135–131 in Game 2 of their first-round series. Trailing 94–63 midway through the third quarter against the two-time defending champions, the Clippers initiated a remarkable rally. Lou Williams led the charge with 36 points and 11 assists, while Montrezl Harrell contributed 25 points on a perfect 9-for-9 shooting performance. The comeback was capped by a clutch three-pointer from rookie Landry Shamet with 16.5 seconds remaining, giving the Clippers their first lead since the opening minutes of the game.

This historic victory not only tied the series at 1–1 but also showcased the resilience and determination of a Clippers team that had entered the playoffs as significant underdogs. Despite eventually losing the series in six games, the Clippers’ performance in Game 2 remains a defining moment in franchise history and a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of NBA playoff basketball.

2. The Lakers’ 29 Point Comeback vs. Seattle Sonics (1989)

​On May 14, 1989, the Los Angeles Lakers completed a remarkable 29-point comeback to defeat the Seattle SuperSonics 97–95 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals, securing a 4–0 series sweep. The Lakers trailed 43–14 early in the second quarter, facing what seemed to be an insurmountable deficit. However, they ignited a 22–6 run to close the first half, cutting the lead to 54–43. In the second half, Los Angeles continued their resurgence, eventually overtaking Seattle in the fourth quarter. James Worthy led the Lakers with 33 points, while Magic Johnson contributed 17 points and 9 assists. The victory propelled the Lakers into the Western Conference Finals, marking one of the most significant comebacks in NBA playoff history. ​

2. OKC Thunder’s 29 point Comeback vs. Memphis (2025)

In a stunning display of resilience, the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 29-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 114–108 in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, taking a commanding 3–0 lead. This comeback marks the second-largest in NBA playoff history, trailing only the Los Angeles Clippers’ 31-point rally in 2019 .​

The game took a pivotal turn late in the second quarter when Memphis star Ja Morant exited with a left hip contusion after a hard fall, leaving the Grizzlies without their primary playmaker . At that point, Memphis held a 67–40 lead and extended it to 77–51 by halftime. However, the Thunder responded with a dominant second half, outscoring the Grizzlies 63–31. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 31 points, while rookie Chet Holmgren contributed 24 points, 23 of which came after halftime .​

Jalen Williams added 26 points, and Oklahoma City’s defense tightened, holding Memphis scoreless in the final 4:51 of the game . The Thunder’s victory places them on the brink of advancing to the next round, with Game 4 scheduled in Memphis. For the Grizzlies, the loss underscores a season plagued by injuries and inconsistency, now facing elimination without their All-Star leader.​
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4. Los Angeles Clippers’ 27 point comeback vs. Grizzlies (2012)

In their first game of the first round, The Clippers arose from the dead in the second half to beat the Grizzlies by as many as 27 points difference. In flashlight, the Clippers were leading by 27 points at one stage in the match and then suddenly the teams of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin turned the match around in a dramatic fashion.

4. Miami’s 27 point comeback vs. Chicago Bulls (2013)

This game from the 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 5, turned into a rollercoaster that Miami fans will never forget. The Heat trailed the Bulls by as many as 27 points early but stormed back to steal the game 94–91 in overtime. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade spearheaded the comeback, combining for 49 points and putting their stamp on a gritty, defensive slugfest. James, who finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, hit crucial buckets down the stretch, while Wade battled through a knee injury to deliver clutch plays late. Miami’s defense held Chicago to just 33 points over the second half and overtime, completely flipping the game’s momentum. This comeback didn’t just keep Miami’s title hopes alive—it reinforced why that 2012-2013 Heat team, fresh off a 66-win regular season, was viewed as one of the toughest and most battle-tested squads of the modern era.

6. Boston’s 26 Point Comeback vs. New Jersey Nets (2002)

In Game 3 of the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics staged a historic comeback to defeat the New Jersey Nets 94–90. Trailing by 26 points late in the third quarter, Boston outscored New Jersey 41–16 in the fourth quarter. Paul Pierce led the charge with 28 points, including 19 in the final period. This comeback was the largest in NBA playoff history at the time and gave the Celtics a 2–1 series lead. Fans can use the New Jersey online casinos to get an extension of their appreciation of sporting events and contests. 

6. Cleveland Cavaliers 26 point comeback vs. Indiana Pacers (2017)

In Game 3 of the 2017 Eastern Conference First Round, where the Cavaliers were able to employ a spectacular comeback from being down by 26 points in the match against the Indiana Pacers 119–114. Down 74–49 at halftime, Cleveland’s comeback was fueled by LeBron James, who tallied 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. The Cavaliers outscored the Pacers 70–40 in the second half, marking the largest halftime deficit overcome in NBA playoff history at that time. This win gave Cleveland a commanding 3–0 series lead   The Cavs, driven by LeBron James, came back strongly from the third quarter to snatch the stunning win.

6. Atlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers (2021)

In Game 5 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Atlanta Hawks rallied from a 26-point deficit to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 109–106. Trailing 62–36 late in the second quarter, Atlanta mounted a comeback led by Trae Young’s 39 points and 7 assists. The Hawks outscored the 76ers 40–19 in the fourth quarter, with Young hitting crucial free throws in the final minute. This victory gave Atlanta a 3–2 series lead and marked one of the most significant collapses in 76ers’ playoff history.

6. The Grizzlies Comeback vs. Timberwolves (2022)

In Game 3 of the 2022 Western Conference First Round, the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 26-point deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104–95. After trailing 47–21 in the second quarter, Memphis closed the first half on a 23–4 run, narrowing the gap to 51–44. Despite Minnesota extending their lead to 25 points in the third quarter, the Grizzlies responded with a 21–0 run to tie the game at 83. Memphis outscored Minnesota 37–12 in the fourth quarter, with Desmond Bane scoring 26 points and Ja Morant recording a triple-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. This comeback tied for the fourth-largest in NBA playoff history and gave the Grizzlies a 2–1 series lead .​

10. Golden State’s Comeback vs. San Antonio (2017)

In Game 1 of the 2017 Western Conference Finals, the Golden State Warriors mounted a 25-point comeback to edge the San Antonio Spurs 113–111. Trailing 62–37 in the second quarter, the Warriors capitalized on the Spurs’ misfortune when Kawhi Leonard exited the game with an ankle injury. Stephen Curry led the charge with 40 points, including 19 in the third quarter, while Kevin Durant contributed 34 points. An 18–0 run in the third quarter brought the Warriors back into contention, and they secured the win in the final minutes. This comeback was the largest in a conference finals game since 2002 and set the tone for the Warriors’ eventual sweep of the series

6. Oklahoma City Thunder’s 25 point Comeback vs. Utah Jazz (2018)

Facing elimination in Game 5 of the 2018 Western Conference First Round, the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled out an unexpected jaw-dropping finish having come from a 25-point third quarter to win against the Jazz. Jazz 107–99, narrowing the series to 3–2. Down 71–46 in the third quarter, Russell Westbrook and Paul George spearheaded the comeback, combining for 79 points. Westbrook finished with 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, while George added 34 points. The Thunder’s 32–7 run to close the third quarter shifted the momentum, and they maintained their lead in the fourth to secure the win. Despite this effort, the Jazz won Game 6 to advance to the next round. 

10. L.A. Clippers’ 25-Point Comeback vs. Utah Jazz (2021)

In Game 6 of the 2021 Western Conference Semifinals, the Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 25-point deficit to defeat the Utah Jazz 131–119, clinching the series 4–2 and advancing to their first-ever Western Conference Finals. Trailing 75–50 early in the third quarter, the Clippers ignited a remarkable comeback led by Terance Mann, who scored a career-high 39 points. The Clippers outscored the Jazz 81–44 in the second half, with Mann’s performance marking the most points by a Clippers player in a playoff game since 2006. This victory was a defining moment for the franchise, showcasing their resilience and determination .​

These comebacks in the NBA playoffs are examples of the spirit, desire, and aggression that manifest on basketball courts with teams and players fighting for survival. Regardless of whether they come back with double-digit margins, show amazing results in games, or win matches in the final moments these comebacks give. Looking forward to the next NBA Playoffs, we expect other dramatic and exciting moments, magical throws, and kickbacks that will make NBA basketball even more exciting, as it is already one of the most exciting games in the world.