Upsets are rare in the NBA playoffs, as the best-of-seven format usually favors the stronger team. However, underdogs sometimes catch a break, defying expectations with shocking victories.
Over the years, several teams on the brink of elimination have stunned title contenders, proving that anything can happen in postseason basketball.
Five Biggest Playoffs Upsets In NBA History
Golden State Warriors 4-2 Dallas Mavericks
On this day in 2007… the 8-seed “We Believe” Warriors beat the top-seeded Mavericks in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead… relive the upset! #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/5lnztXkUuf
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 29, 2022
The 2006-07 “We Believe” Warriors were one of the most electrifying teams in NBA history. Led by Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, Jason Richardson, Matt Barnes, and a young Monta Ellis, they stunned the 67-win Mavericks and MVP Dirk Nowitzki. Fueled by their passionate home crowd, Golden State dominated all three home games and closed out the series in six.
Denver Nuggets 3-2 Seattle Supersonics
In 1994, the Denver Nuggets made history as the first eighth seed to eliminate a top seed. The Seattle SuperSonics, led by Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Detlef Schrempf, took a 2-0 series lead, but Denver roared back with three straight wins. Behind standout performances from LaPhonso Ellis, Reggie Williams, and Dikembe Mutombo, the Nuggets pulled off the stunning upset.
Also Read: Most Shocking Trades In NBA History: Top 5 Deals That Changed The League Forever
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Memphis Grizzlies 4-2 San Antonio Spurs
In the 2011 playoffs, the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies shocked the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs, led by the dominant frontcourt duo of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Their physicality overwhelmed an aging Tim Duncan, propelling Memphis to the second round, where they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a hard-fought seven-game series.
Dallas Mavericks 4-2 Miami Heat
The 2011-12 Mavericks are one of the most iconic underdogs in NBA history. LeBron James, in his first season with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, seemed destined for his first championship. However, Dirk Nowitzki had other plans, dominating the Finals and handing James a humbling defeat that left a lasting mark on his legacy.
Phoenix Suns 4-3 Golden State Warriors
The defending champion Golden State Warriors had just set a franchise-best 59-23 record, while the 42-40 Phoenix Suns barely squeezed into the playoffs, making their first appearance since 1970. Despite the odds, Paul Westphal led the Suns to a thrilling seven-game series victory, overcoming multiple deficits to win Game 7 on the road. Their run ended in the NBA Finals, where they fell to the powerhouse Boston Celtics.
