Luck or Skill? The Biggest Comebacks in NBA History

Down Big, Win Huge! Epic NBA Comebacks That Defied the Odds

NBA Greatest Turnarounds

The NBA operates on the principle of momentum. You find yourself trailing 30 points while social media users mock you. Then, your team mounts a three-point attack together with crucial steals while the audience returns to their feet. These wins transcend regular victories because they establish permanent legacies. The game demonstrates through these experiences that no lead in basketball remains secure. Discussion about the biggest comebacks in NBA history refers to both astonishing score reversals and historic moments that changed the game's direction.

A complex method exists for people who place bets on games or enjoy following score changes to decode second-half NBA lines. After reading some of these incredible comeback stories, you will look at any 20-point deficit during the second half completely differently.

We will now review the most stunning basketball upsets, shocking defeats, and dramatic momentum changes that brought fans back to life.

The Night the Jazz Got Burned (1996)

Denver Nuggets fans are still stunned by the 36-point comeback victory against the Utah Jazz. This was not one of the NBA's biggest comebacks because it remains the biggest NBA comeback in history. Utah reached a 70–34 lead at one stage during the game. Fans were leaving the building. But Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and LaPhonso  Ellis had other plans. The Nuggets started with small progress before launching into a successful second-half victory that gave them a 107–103 win. Madness.

The Celtics Flip the Script on the Spurs (2022)

Down 32 points. On the road. Against Popovich. This situation typically results in game over. But the Celtics of 2022 had grit. The Celtics eliminated their massive deficit through Tatum and Brown's high-scoring second half. This comeback did not rank among the biggest NBA comebacks in history, but it demonstrated how shooters can turn any lead into a deficit when they start scoring.

Clippers vs. Warriors – A Playoff Shock (2019)

The biggest comeback in NBA playoff history can be seen in Game 2 during the 2019 first-round matchup. The Warriors faced a 31-point deficit against the Clippers during that first-round game in 2019. The Warriors' Curry, KD, and  Klay should have won the game by halftime. But Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams said, "Nah." The Clips completed a stunning 135–131 victory, which left spectators stunned by its unexpected nature.

The Never-Been-Done: A 3–0 Comeback?

Is there any instance of a 3–0 comeback in the NBA? Short answer: No. Not yet. The NBA playoff record shows that teams that begin 0–3 are a whopping 0-for-156 in NBA playoff history. But these outrageous comebacks have proven we should never write off any situation.

Cavs-Warriors: Finals History Rewritten (2016)

Okay, let’s talk legacy.  What is the largest comeback in NBA Finals history? It’s simple: 2016. Instead of a single-game turnaround, the Cavaliers staged a 3–1 deficit comeback against the 73–9  Warriors in the NBA Finals. LeBron’s block, Kyrie’s dagger, and a whole lot of belief. The game-changing momentum occurred across two halves instead of a single half. One that ended Cleveland’s 52-year title drought.

The Magic Stun the Cavs (2022)

During the second half, the Orlando Magic staged a stunning turnaround after facing a 28-point deficit against the Cavaliers. The Magic displayed young talent and determination through their comeback victory, which stood as one of the latest examples of refusing to give up. The Magic secured victory by utilizing their high energy levels, defensive plays, and numerous late-game three-pointers.

The Largest NBA Second-Half Comeback?

That goes to the same Denver-Utah showdown in 1996, where the Nuggets trailed by 34 at the half. But there have been others, too—comebacks from 29, 30, even 31 points, all sparked in the final two quarters. It’s proof that the second half is where reputations are made.

It’s Not Over Until It’s Over

The beauty of the NBA is that it only takes a few possessions to shift momentum. One big dunk. One corner three. One steal and a score. That’s the heartbeat of every remarkable comeback. Whether you're watching live, checking scores on your phone, or sweating out a bet, the biggest comebacks in NBA history are more than just wild numbers—they're stories of heart, hustle, and just the right amount of chaos.

And we get a few more chapters to add to the list every season.