In the high-stakes world of the NBA Finals, falling behind 2-0 usually spells doom. Yet, five resilient teams defied the odds, clawing their way back to clinch the championship. These stunning NBA Finals comebacks not only electrified fans but also left an indelible mark on basketball history.
Legendary NBA Finals Comebacks That Shocked the World
The 2021 Milwaukee Bucks
Just three years ago, the Milwaukee Bucks turned the tide after trailing the Phoenix Suns 2-0. Despite early losses, the Bucks roared back with four consecutive wins, fueled by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s powerhouse performance. Averaging 35.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, Giannis bagged the Finals MVP. His partner-in-crime, Khris Middleton, also shone brightly, dropping 40 points in a pivotal Game 4.
Mikal Bridges, a Suns player during the series, later confessed the team underestimated Milwaukee after their early lead. “We thought we had it in the bag,” Bridges admitted, reflecting on their premature confidence.
The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers
Arguably the most iconic comeback, the 2016 Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, overcame not just a 2-0 deficit but a daunting 3-1 hole against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. LeBron’s incredible stats—30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game—along with Kyrie Irving’s clutch performances, including a Game 7 dagger three, etched this series into NBA folklore.
Kyrie, now with the Mavericks, reminisced about that historic run, underscoring the relentless focus required to stage such a comeback.
The 2006 Miami Heat
The 2006 Miami Heat, powered by a young Dwyane Wade, flipped the script against the Dallas Mavericks. After dropping the first two games, the Heat stormed back, winning four straight. Wade’s stellar 34.7 points per game earned him Finals MVP, while Shaquille O’Neal contributed crucially in what was his first championship without Kobe Bryant.
In a recent reflection, Wade dubbed this period the “best version” of himself, pointing to his peak physical and mental state before injuries dimmed his brilliance.
The 1977 Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, led by Bill Walton, defied the odds in 1977. Trailing 2-0 against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Blazers rallied to win the next four games. Walton’s dominance, with 19 rebounds per game, and Maurice Lucas’s scoring prowess, proved unstoppable. This victory marked Portland’s first NBA championship, a historic feat that reverberated through the league.
The 1969 Boston Celtics
In 1969, the Boston Celtics etched their name in history as the first team to overcome a 2-0 Finals deficit. Facing the Los Angeles Lakers, the Celtics battled through a fiercely competitive series to win in seven games. Bill Russell, despite his outstanding 21.1 rebounds per game, saw the Finals MVP go to Jerry West of the Lakers, the only time the award went to a player from the losing team.
The Mavericks’ Uphill Battle
Following their Game 2 loss to the Boston Celtics, the Dallas Mavericks now face a daunting 2-0 deficit in the Finals. History suggests the odds are against them, but the Mavericks hope to channel the spirit of these legendary comebacks as they head back to Dallas for Games 3 and 4.
In NBA lore, the journey from despair to triumph is rare but unforgettable. The Mavericks aim to join this elite group, reminding us that in sports, miracles do happen.
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