Throughout history, the NBA has seen some of the most epic comebacks in championship history. From miraculous shots to incredible team performances, these games have become staples in NBA folklore. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the greatest comebacks in NBA championship history.
1. 2016 NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
The Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves down 3-1 in the 2016 NBA Finals against the record-breaking Golden State Warriors. However, in a stunning series of events, LeBron James led the Cavaliers to win three straight games, the last being game seven on the road in Oakland, to secure the championship for Cleveland. James delivered a triple-double in the decisive game, including a block in the final minutes that sealed the victory for the Cavs.
2. 1988 NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons
In 1988, the Detroit Pistons had a strong hold on the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the series 3-2. However, in game six, Lakers’ star guard Magic Johnson helped lead his team to a 103-102 win, scoring 16 points, dishing out 19 assists, and grabbing eight rebounds. The Lakers went on to win game seven after a dominant performance by James Worthy, who scored 36 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, securing the championship for the Lakers.
3. 2013 NBA Finals: San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat
In the 2013 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs had the championship practically in the bag, up by five points with just 28 seconds left in regulation of game six. However, Miami Heat superstar LeBron James hit a miraculous three-pointer to cut the deficit to two points. With just seconds remaining, Chris Bosh grabbed an offensive rebound and kicked it out to Ray Allen, who hit an incredible corner three-pointer to force overtime. The Heat would go on to win the game in overtime and clinched the championship in a dominant game seven win.
4. 1969 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In the 1969 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics faced the Los Angeles Lakers in a series that seemed hopeless for Boston. With the Lakers leading the series 3-2, the Celtics found themselves down by double digits in the fourth quarter of game seven. However, the Celtics rallied in the final minutes to win the game and secure the championship. Boston’s Hall of Fame player, Bill Russell, grabbed a historic 40 rebounds in the game while John Havlicek scored 26 points to lead the Celtics to a stunning victory.
5. 1994 Western Conference Finals: Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns
The 1994 Western Conference Finals featured the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. With the Suns leading the series 3-1, the Rockets were on the brink of elimination. However, the Rockets won game five thanks to a 43-point performance by Hakeem Olajuwon and a dominant defensive effort by the team in the final minutes. The Rockets then won game six and seven, clinching the series and eventually winning the championship.
In conclusion, these incredible comebacks will forever be cemented in NBA history and continue to be remembered as some of the most thrilling moments in the sport. From legendary performances by individual players to unbelievable team efforts, these games are a testament to the grit and determination of NBA players and teams.
