NBA: Greatest Comebacks in History

Jayson Tatum - San Antonio Spurs v Boston Celtics
(Photo : Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - Jayson Tatum (#0) of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden on April 30, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Several teams have demonstrated remarkable resilience in various NBA games by mounting impressive comebacks.

Despite facing substantial obstacles during the game, these teams have shown determination and skill, ultimately securing a victory against all odds. 

Read more: Bronny James NIL: Valuation, Brand Deals and More 

Here are the greatest comebacks in NBA history:

3. Boston Celtics to San Antonio Spurs - April 30, 2021: 32 points

In April 2021, Jayson Tatum achieved a career-high of 60 points, propelling the Boston Celtics to a remarkable 143-140 comeback victory against the San Antonio Spurs on their home floor.

Despite facing a daunting 32-point deficit in the second quarter, Boston rallied, forcing the game into overtime and ultimately securing the win on their home court. 

Noteworthy contributions came from Jaylen Brown, who scored 17 points, and Aaron Nesmith, who added 16 points.

Despite DeMar DeRozan's 30-point performance for San Antonio, it proved insufficient to fend off the Celtics' comeback. 

2 (tied). Sacramento Kings to Chicago Bulls - December 21, 2009: 35 points

In December 2009, the Sacramento Kings orchestrated an astonishing 35-point comeback against the Chicago Bulls, which is tied as the second-largest comeback in NBA history.

From the onset, the Kings were trailing by 19 points after the first quarter. The challenge intensified as they faced a staggering 79-44 deficit in the third period.

However, Sacramento staged an extraordinary turnaround, embarking on a 52-19 run to finish the game with a remarkable 102-98 come-from-behind victory on the road. Tyreke Evans and Ime Udoka led the charge for the Kings.

2 (tied). Los Angeles Clippers to Washington Wizards - January 25, 2022: 35 points

The Los Angeles Clippers tied the second-largest in-game comeback in NBA history, overcoming a 35-point deficit against the Washington Wizards to secure a nail-biting one-point victory, 116-115.

Facing their biggest deficit at 66-31 in the waning moments of the second quarter, the Clippers initiated a comeback, steadily reducing the deficit throughout the third quarter before ultimately clinching the win.

Luke Kennard played a crucial role in the victory, delivering a game-winning four-point play to cap off the impressive rally.

1. Utah Jazz to Denver Nuggets - November 27, 1996: 36 points

The Utah Jazz achieved an unprecedented feat by pulling off the greatest in-game comeback in NBA history on a 107-103 win in November 1996 against the Denver Nuggets. The home team was trailing by an imposing 36 points in the second period and went into the halftime break with 70-36.

However, a dramatic turn of events unfolded in the second half, as the Jazz limited the visiting team to a mere 15 points in the third quarter and dominated with a 71-33 run in the last two quarters.

Karl Malone scored 31 points, while Jeff Hornacek added 29 to complete the comeback.

Largest comeback in NBA Playoffs history

Los Angeles Clippers to Golden State Warriors - April 15, 2019: 31 points

The Los Angeles Clippers mounted the largest playoff comeback in NBA history, defeating the Golden State Warriors, 135-131, in Game 2 of their first-round matchup at the Oracle Arena.

The Dubs were led by the all-time great superteam of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, making the rally even more impressive.

Lou Williams led the Clippers with 36 points and 11 assists. Montrezl Harrell also contributed 25 points and secured 10 rebounds for a well-rounded performance.

Related Article: Jayson Tatum Contract: Celtics Star Is Eligible to Receive the Largest Deal in NBA History Soon

© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Real Time Analytics