Thanks to all-around teamwork and with particularly strong play from Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics currently lead the Dallas Mavericks 2-0 in the 2024 NBA Finals. With the way the Celtics have dominated at times, the two-zero lead has sparked discussions of a possible sweep given the Mavericks’ struggles compared to their dominant performance in the Western Conference finals.
In all of NBA playoff history, teams that have won the first two games of the NBA Finals are 31-5. That’s an amazing 0.861 winning percentage when up 2-0 in the championship series.
Historic Comebacks from 0-2 in NBA Finals
A loss in Game 3 on Wednesday would leave the Mavericks with virtually no margin for error. With offensive stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks still have a fighting chance at making the Mavs the sixth team to ever turn it around down two games to none.
Coming back from a 2-0 deficit to win the NBA Finals, while challenging, is not impossible. It’s not a wager that Unibet’s sports betting site in Canada would recommend and here’s why: Historically, teams leading 2-0 in the Finals have a 31-5 record, favoring the Celtics. Yet, the Luka and the Mavericks can find hope in their recent 2022 second-round comeback against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals, where they won that series after being down 2-0. Here’s more inspiration for Dallas fans:
1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns (2021)
In the 2021 NBA Finals, the Milwaukee Bucks made a remarkable comeback against the Phoenix Suns. The Suns initially took a 2-0 series lead, but the Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, rallied to win four consecutive games. Giannis delivered a historic performance, particularly in Game 6, where he scored 50 points, leading the Bucks to a 105-98 victory and securing their first NBA championship in 50 years. This comeback blocked Chris Paul from winning his first ring, and Giannis’ dominance, earning him the Finals MVP award and the Greek Freak’s first championship ring.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors (2016)
The most recent and arguably most famous comeback was by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Led by LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, the Cavs faced the record-setting 73-win Golden State Warriors. After dropping the first two games, Cleveland rallied back, highlighted by James’ unforgettable performances, including a 41-point game in both Games 5 and 6, and a triple-double in Game 7. Irving’s crucial three-pointer in the closing minutes of Game 7 sealed the victory, securing Cleveland’s first NBA championship and breaking the city’s 52-year title drought.
2. Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks (2006)
The most recent occurrence before 2021 was the 2006 NBA Finals. The Miami Heat, led by Dwyane Wade, faced the Dallas Mavericks. After losing the first two games, the Heat appeared to be in trouble. However, Wade delivered a series of legendary performances, averaging 34.7 points per game in the Finals, earning the Finals MVP award. His scoring outburst, combined with crucial contributions from Shaquille O’Neal and veteran Gary Payton, propelled the Heat to win the next four games and secure their first NBA championship.
3. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1977)
In 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers, led by the recently passed Bill Walton (R.I.P.), found themselves down 0-2 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Walton’s dominance in the paint, coupled with the playmaking of Lionel Hollins and Maurice Lucas, sparked a turnaround. Walton’s incredible performance, including a 20-point, 23-rebound effort in Game 6, earned him Finals MVP honors as the Blazers won four straight games to clinch the title.
5. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1969)
The Boston Celtics faced a 0-2 deficit against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1969 Finals. Led by the legendary Bill Russell in his final season, the Celtics relied on their championship experience and Russell’s leadership. Key contributions from John Havlicek and Sam Jones helped the Celtics win the series in seven games, marking Russell’s 11th and final championship. This loss added to Jerry West’s frustrating postseason results.
These comebacks from 0-2 deficits in the NBA Finals underscore the unpredictability and high level competition. Players like Dwyane Wade, Bill Walton, John Havlicek, Willis Reed, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LeBron James have only added to their legends through these extraordinary performances, inspiring future generations to believe in the power of perseverance and teamwork.