8 Biggest Comebacks in NBA Finals History

It’s not easy to build big leads in an NBA Finals game, but as history suggests, it could be just as hard to maintain such a huge advantage, no matter how favourable a team’s NBA championship odds are.

A few plays down the stretch of these games could have determined if my basketball betting predictions proved to be true.

With that said, what are the eight biggest comebacks in NBA Finals history? Let’s find out.

8 Biggest Comebacks in NBA Finals History

What Are the Biggest Comebacks in NBA Finals History?

24 Points — Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers 2008 NBA Finals, Game 4

The Los Angeles Lakers jumped out to a 45-21 lead in the second quarter, shooting nearly 65% from the field.

However, the Boston Celtics outscored the Lakers 31-15 in the third quarter and eventually took their first lead with a little over four minutes left in the game, winning 97-91.

20 Points — Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic 1995 NBA Finals Game 1

Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway powered the Orlando Magic to a 20-point lead in the first half, but the Houston Rockets outscored Orlando 37-19 in the third quarter.

Kenny Smith nailed a game-tying 3-pointer to send the game into overtime, as Houston won 120-118.

15 Points — Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 2025 NBA Finals, Game 1

The Indiana Pacers were down 94-79 with around 9:30 left in the game, but they never gave up as Tyrese Haliburton’s ice-cold pull-up jumper helped Indiana escape with a 111-110 Game 1 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Pacers drilled six 3-pointers and got timely stops during their late surge.

TYRESE HALIBURTON GIVES THE PACERS THE LEAD!

GET TO ABC NOW FOR THE FINISH! pic.twitter.com/l4SPrNspGG

— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2025

15 Points — Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat 2011 NBA Finals, Game 2

The Dallas Mavericks were down 88-73 with 7:13 left, but Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki led their squad down the stretch to help them escape with a pivotal 95-93 Game 2 win against the LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh-led Miami Heat, as Nowitzki’s clutch driving layup sealed the victory.

13 Points — Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat 2012 NBA Finals, Game 1

The Heat built a 37-24 lead with 9:12 left in the second quarter, but OKC trimmed their deficit to seven points at halftime and outscored Miami 58-40 in the second half to earn the 105-94 victory.

Kevin Durant went off for 36 points on 12-of-20 shooting. Russell Westbrook added 27 points and 11 assists. Both grabbed eight rebounds.

13 Points — Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks 2006 NBA Finals, Game 3

The Heat were down 89-76 with 6:33 left in the game, but Dwyane Wade responded with 12 points to help Miami escape with a 98-96 win and avoid going down 3-0.

Wade finished the game with 42 points and 13 rebounds, as Miami went on to win this series in six games.

13 Points — Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers 1992 NBA Finals, Game 6

The Chicago Bulls were facing a 13-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Bulls outscored the Trail Blazers 33-14 in the fourth quarter to clinch the series.

Michael Jordan finished with 33 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Scottie Pippen added 26 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

13 Points — Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals, Game 3

The Mavericks jumped out to an early 22-9 lead in front of their home fans, but the Celtics closed the first quarter on a 21-9 spurt and ultimately ended up winning this game 106-99 to go up 3-0.

Jayson Tatum put up 31 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Jaylen Brown added 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.