In the storied history of the NBA playoffs, no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series. However, there have been several thrilling near-misses that left fans on the edge of their seats. Here are some of the closest almost comebacks in NBA playoff history when a team was down 3-0.
1. 1951 NBA Finals: New York Knicks vs. Rochester Royals
The 1951 NBA Finals was the first time a team came close to overcoming a 3-0 deficit. The Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) jumped out to a commanding lead over the New York Knicks. The Knicks, however, refused to fold and rallied to win the next three games, forcing a Game 7. Despite their valiant effort, the Knicks fell short in the final game, losing 79-75, and the Royals claimed the championship.
2. 1994 Western Conference Semifinals: Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz
The Denver Nuggets made history earlier in the 1994 playoffs by becoming the first eighth seed to defeat a top seed, the Seattle SuperSonics. In the semifinals, they found themselves down 3-0 against the Utah Jazz. Denver, led by Dikembe Mutombo, mounted a furious comeback, winning the next three games to force a Game 7. Unfortunately, their Cinderella run ended as the Jazz won the decisive game 91-81.
3. 2003 First Round: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks
In the 2003 playoffs, the Portland Trail Blazers faced a daunting 3-0 deficit against the Dallas Mavericks. The Blazers, led by veterans Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudamire, clawed their way back into the series, winning three straight games to tie it up. In a hard-fought Game 7, the Mavericks managed to hold off the Blazers, winning 107-95, and advancing to the next round.
4. 2015 First Round: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls
The Milwaukee Bucks were up against the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2015 playoffs. Down 3-0, the Bucks showed incredible heart and resilience by winning the next two games, making it a 3-2 series. The Bulls, however, ended Milwaukee’s hopes in Game 6 with a dominating 120-66 victory, the largest margin of victory in a series-clinching game in NBA history.
5. 2020 Western Conference Semifinals: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
While the Denver Nuggets didn’t face a 3-0 deficit, their 3-1 comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2020 Western Conference Semifinals deserves an honorable mention for its sheer improbability. The Nuggets became the first team in NBA history to overcome two 3-1 deficits in a single postseason, having previously done so against the Utah Jazz in the first round. Led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, Denver rallied to win three consecutive games against the Clippers, capping off the comeback with a 104-89 victory in Game 7.
Conclusion
While the 3-0 comeback remains elusive in NBA playoff history, these near-misses have provided some hope that it can be done.
Sources:
- NBA Official Website
- Basketball Reference
- ESPN Archives
