The NBA Finals are where legends are made, and few things are more exhilarating than a team erasing a massive deficit under the ultimate spotlight. While series comebacks like the 2016 Cavaliers’ 3-1 rally are iconic, single-game point deficits overcome in the Finals carry their own magic. Here’s a ranked list of the top 5 largest point comebacks in NBA Finals games, based on historical records.
Top 5 Biggest Comeback Victories by Points in NBA Finals History
1. New York Knicks: 29 Points (2026 Finals, Game 4)
The current record holder! Facing the San Antonio Spurs with the series at 2-1, the Knicks trailed by as many as 29 points (81-52 in the third quarter). They mounted a ferocious rally, outscoring the Spurs dramatically in the second half to win 107-106. OG Anunoby delivered the game-winning tip-in with 1.2 seconds left after Jalen Brunson’s near-miss three, finishing with 33 points. Brunson added 36 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. This victory gave New York a 3-1 series lead and etched their names in Finals lore.
2. Boston Celtics: 24 Points (2008 Finals, Game 4)
For nearly two decades, this stood as the benchmark. Down 2-1 in the series against the Lakers, the Celtics faced a 24-point deficit (Lakers led 45-21 in the second quarter). Boston exploded in the second half, outscoring LA significantly to win 97-91 and take a 3-1 series lead en route to the championship. It remains one of the most memorable rivalry comebacks in Finals history.
3. Houston Rockets: 20 Points (1995 Finals, Game 1)
The Orlando Magic, led by a young Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, jumped out to a 20-point first-half lead. Hakeem Olajuwon and the defending champion Rockets fought back, with Kenny Smith hitting seven threes to force overtime. Olajuwon sealed it with a tip-in at the buzzer for a 120-118 victory. Houston went on to sweep the series.
4. Dallas Mavericks: 15 Points (2011 Finals, Game 2)
Trailing the star-studded Miami Heat, the Mavericks were down 15 points late (88-73 with 7:13 left). Dirk Nowitzki orchestrated a clutch rally, tying the game before hitting the winning layup with 3.6 seconds remaining for a 98-96 win. This shifted momentum in a series Dallas ultimately won in six games, capping their championship run.
5. Miami Heat: Notable Late Rally (2006 Finals, Game 3)
Dwyane Wade dropped a playoff career-high 42 points to fuel a significant late comeback from a double-digit deficit, securing a 98-96 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This series-saving win helped Miami overcome an 0-2 hole and claim the title in six games. While the exact point deficit was smaller than the above, Wade’s heroics made it one of the most dramatic Finals rallies.
These comebacks highlight the unpredictability of playoff basketball—coaching adjustments, hot shooting, superstar willpower, and defensive stops can flip games in an instant. No team has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit in the Finals, but single-game rallies like these prove that big leads are never truly safe.
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