What's the biggest comeback in NBA history? 10 most impressive turn-arounds
What’s the biggest comeback in NBA history? The Utah Jazz hold the NBA’s all-time comeback record, overcoming a 36-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets on 27 November 1996. Trailing 70–34 at halftime, the Jazz mounted a historic rally that remains the NBA’s biggest comeback. Discover other unforgettable NBA moments from the league’s greatest comebacks.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- What's the biggest comeback in NBA history?
- 10. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
- 9. Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers
- 8. Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks
- 7. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks
- 6. Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks
- 5. LA Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
- 4. LA Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors
- 3. Boston Celtics vs. San Antonio Spurs
- 2. Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls
- 1. Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets
- What is the biggest comeback in the NBA playoffs?
- Has there ever been a 3-0 comeback in the NBA?
- Did the Cavs come back from 3-0 in 2016?
- What is the biggest NBA comeback in the last 2 minutes?
- What is the biggest comeback in NBA history in the 4th quarter?
Key takeaways
- The Utah Jazz pulled off the biggest comeback in NBA history, rallying from a 36-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets.
- Multiple teams have overcome 30-point deficits, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league.
- Star players frequently delivered game-changing performances that fueled these remarkable turnarounds.
What's the biggest comeback in NBA history?
In compiling the list of the biggest comebacks in NBA history, we relied on officially recorded game data and historical records as of 2025, recognising that future games may produce even more remarkable turnarounds. This list was created using accurate statistics and insights from reliable sources, including ESPN, Fox Sports and Yahoo Sports.
| Game | Deficit overcome | Date |
| Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets | 36 points | 27 November 1996 |
| Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls | 35 points | 21 December 2009 |
| Boston Celtics vs. San Antonio Spurs | 32 points | 30 April 2021 |
| LA Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors | 31 points | 15 April 2019 |
| LA Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks | 30 points | 6 December 2002 |
| Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks | 30 points | 22 December 2019 |
| Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks | 29 points | 25 November 1977 |
| Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks | 28 points | 16 February 2022 |
| Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers | 27 points | 12 June 2008 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers | 26 points | 20 April 2017 |
10. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
Source: Getty Images
- Date: 20 April 2017
- Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
- Final score: Cleveland Cavaliers – 119, Indiana Pacers – 114
On 20 April 2017, the Cleveland Cavaliers erased a 26-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 119–114 in Game 3, setting an NBA playoff record for the largest second-half comeback. Down 74–49 at halftime, the Cavaliers stormed back behind an all-time performance from LeBron James, who tallied 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a commanding triple-double.
LeBron led a 35–17 fourth-quarter surge as Cleveland rallied, notably with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love on the bench during key stretches. Indiana started strong behind Paul George and Jeff Teague, but couldn’t stop the Cavs’ momentum.
9. Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers
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- Date: 12 June 2008
- Venue: Staples Centre, Los Angeles
- Final score: Boston Celtics – 97, Los Angeles Lakers – 91
On 12 June 2008, in Game 4 of the Finals, the Celtics erased a 27-point deficit to beat the Lakers 97–91 — the largest comeback in NBA Finals history. Down 45–18 in the second quarter, Boston rallied with tough defence and key plays from the Big Three, plus strong bench support from Eddie House and James Posey.
The Celtics held the Lakers to just 33 points in the second half, completely shifting the momentum to take a 3–1 series lead. The epic comeback was a defining moment in Boston’s run to their 17th NBA title and remains one of the most iconic performances in Finals history.
8. Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks
Source: Getty Images
- Date: 16 February 2022
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- Final score: Brooklyn Nets – 111, New York Knicks – 106
On 16 February 2022, the Brooklyn Nets also made the biggest comeback in franchise history, erasing a 28-point deficit to defeat the New York Knicks 111–106 at Madison Square Garden. Down 54–26 in the second quarter, the Nets rallied behind rookie Cam Thomas, who scored 16 of his 21 in the fourth, capped by a clutch step-back three in the final seconds.
Seth Curry chipped in 20 points, LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Andre Drummond pulled down 19 boards. Brooklyn dominated the fourth, outscoring the Knicks 38–19 to complete the rally.
7. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks
Source: Getty Images
- Date: 25 November 1977
- Venue: MECCA Arena, Milwaukee
- Final score: Milwaukee Bucks – 117, Atlanta Hawks – 115
The Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a legendary rally on 25 November 1977, overcoming a 29-point deficit to edge the Atlanta Hawks 117–115 at the MECCA Arena. Down 58–29 in the second quarter, the Bucks rallied behind Marques Johnson’s 31 and Brian Winters’ 27, pairing sharp offence with solid defence.
Though John Drew led the Hawks with 32 points, Atlanta couldn’t hold off Milwaukee’s late surge.
6. Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks
Source: Getty Images
- Date: 22 December 2019
- Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
- Final score: Toronto Raptors – 110, Dallas Mavericks – 107
On 22 December 2019, the Toronto Raptors completed the biggest comeback in franchise history, erasing a 30-point deficit to beat the Dallas Mavericks 110–107 at Scotiabank Arena. Facing an 85–55 deficit late in the third, the Raptors stormed back behind Kyle Lowry’s 32 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, including 20 in the fourth quarter.
Chris Boucher added 21 points as Toronto outscored Dallas 47–21 in the final frame. Despite missing key starters, the Raptors’ bench delivered, while Dallas, led by Jalen Brunson and Kristaps Porziņģis, folded under pressure.
5. LA Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Source: Getty Images
- Date: 6 December 2002
- Venue: Staples Centre, Los Angeles
- Final score: Los Angeles Lakers – 105, Dallas Mavericks – 103
The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a remarkable comeback on 6 December 2002, overcoming a 30-point deficit to defeat the Dallas Mavericks 105–103 at the Staples Centre. Behind 88–57 in the third quarter, the Lakers ignited a massive turnaround with a 44–13 fourth-quarter surge, led by Kobe Bryant’s 27 points and Shaquille O’Neal’s 26.
Crucial plays by NBA players Derek Fisher and Rick Fox helped shift the momentum, while the Mavericks, despite a strong showing from Dirk Nowitzki, stumbled under pressure.
4. LA Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors
Source: Getty Images
- Date: 15 April 2019
- Venue: Oracle Arena, Oakland
- Final score: LA Clippers – 135, Golden State Warriors – 131
The LA Clippers are also among the NBA teams that pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in NBA history. On 15 April 2019, they made NBA playoff history by erasing a 31-point deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors 135–131 in Game 2 of their first-round series.
Facing a 94–63 deficit in the third quarter at Oracle Arena, the Clippers began an incredible comeback. Lou Williams scored 36 points, with crucial contributions from Montrezl Harrell and rookie Landry Shamet, who nailed the go-ahead three in the final minute. The Warriors unravelled late, plagued by turnovers and the early loss of DeMarcus Cousins to a torn quad.
3. Boston Celtics vs. San Antonio Spurs
Source: Getty Images
- Date: 30 April 2021
- Venue: TD Garden, Boston
- Final score: Boston Celtics – 143, San Antonio Spurs – 140
On 30 April 2021, the Boston Celtics achieved a historic comeback, overturning a 32-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 143–140 in overtime at TD Garden. It is the largest comeback in Celtics history. With the score at 77–45 in the first half, Boston rallied behind Jayson Tatum’s career-high 60 points, tying Larry Bird’s franchise record.
Tatum scored 31 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, while Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown provided vital support. The Celtics strengthened their defence in the second half, forcing turnovers and disrupting San Antonio’s rhythm.
2. Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls
Source: Getty Images
- Date: 21 December 2009
- Venue: United Centre, Chicago
- Final score: Sacramento Kings – 102, Chicago Bulls – 98
The Sacramento Kings pulled off one of the most remarkable feats in NBA history on 21 December 2009, staging a 35-point comeback to defeat the Chicago Bulls 102–98 at the United Centre. After falling behind 79–44 midway through the third quarter, the Kings flipped the script with a relentless push, outscoring the Bulls 58–19 over the final stretch.
Tyreke Evans led the resurgence with 23 points, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter, while Omri Casspi added 15. As Sacramento surged, Chicago struggled, scoring just 10 points in the final quarter.
1. Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets
Source: Getty Images
- Date: 27 November 1996
- Venue: Delta Centre, Salt Lake City
- Final score: Utah Jazz – 107, Denver Nuggets – 103
On 27 November 1996, the Utah Jazz made NBA history by erasing a 36-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 107–103. It remains the greatest single-game comeback in league history.
With the score at 70–36 late in the second quarter, the Jazz silenced the home crowd’s frustration with a comeback led by Karl Malone’s 31 points and key help from John Stockton and Jeff Hornacek. They dominated the second half, outscoring Denver 71–33 with tightened defence and efficient execution.
What is the biggest comeback in the NBA playoffs?
The biggest comeback in NBA playoff history occurred on 15 April 2019 when the Los Angeles Clippers erased a 31-point deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the first-round series. Sparked by Lou Williams, the Clippers pulled off a 135–131 victory, setting a new playoff record for the biggest rally.
Has there ever been a 3-0 comeback in the NBA?
As of July 2025, no team in NBA history has successfully overturned a 3–0 deficit to win a best-of-seven playoff series. Although a handful have managed to force a Game 7, the full comeback has never been achieved.
Did the Cavs come back from 3-0 in 2016?
No, the Cavaliers didn’t overcome a 3–0 deficit in the 2016 NBA Finals. They trailed the Warriors 3–1 and became the first team in Finals history to come back and win the series 4–3.
What is the biggest NBA comeback in the last 2 minutes?
The greatest NBA comeback in the final two minutes (or the final 35 seconds) occurred on 9 December 2004, when Tracy McGrady scored 13 points in just 33 seconds to lift the Rockets to an 81–80 win over the Spurs.
What is the biggest comeback in NBA history in the 4th quarter?
On 25 November 1977, the Milwaukee Bucks completed a historic comeback, erasing a 29-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Atlanta Hawks 117–115 after trailing 82–111.
The Utah Jazz hold the record for the biggest comeback in NBA history, a remarkable feat that showcases the unpredictability and resilience of the game. Moments like these captivate fans and stand as lasting symbols of determination and perseverance that motivate teams throughout the league.
Legit.ng recently published an article about the 40-point games in NBA history. Wilt Chamberlain holds the NBA record for the most 40-point games, reaching that milestone an incredible 271 times. His remarkable scoring ability continues to set him apart as a true icon of the sport.
Scoring 40 points in an NBA game is no easy feat, yet a few legends have managed to do it time and again. Throughout the league’s history, these elite scorers have redefined offence with electrifying performances that secured their place among the game’s greatest. Learn more in the post.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
