NBA has seen many unforgettable moments, but few are as thrilling as shocking upsets. Whether in a single game or an entire series, these unexpected victories remind fans why basketball is so exciting. When underdogs overcome powerhouse teams, it proves that determination, strategy, and teamwork can sometimes outweigh talent and expectations.
From lower-seeded teams toppling championship contenders to last-second shots changing the course of history, these moments leave a lasting impact on players and fans alike. Some upsets have reshaped franchises, while others have become legendary stories told for generations. The unpredictability of the game is what makes the NBA so compelling.
5 Biggest NBA Upsets
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers (2004)
The Detroit Pistons faced a star-studded Los Angeles Lakers team that featured four future Hall of Famers, yet they turned what seemed like a disadvantage into their greatest strength. While the Lakers relied on individual talent, Detroit focused on teamwork, physical defense, and relentless effort to disrupt their opponents.
Detroit Pistons closed out game 5 against the Lakers to become 2004 NBA Champions! pic.twitter.com/SRinKdOZ3g
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) December 27, 2023
Their disciplined and well-balanced approach kept the Lakers off rhythm throughout the series. Though the Pistons won in five games, their dominance was so clear that some refer to it as a “five-game sweep.”
Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Bullets (1975)
This series stood out because Washington, despite having a home-court advantage, was allowed to choose the format due to issues with Golden State’s original arena. Both teams had the best records in their conferences, but the Bullets were far superior at 60-22 compared to the Warriors’ 48-34.
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On this date in Dubs history, the 1975 Warriors swept the Washington Bullets & captured the 1975 NBA Championship. pic.twitter.com/AbuXbD4Gme
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 25, 2020
Led by Hall of Famer Wes Unseld, Washington seemed the favorite, yet Rick Barry carried Golden State to a shocking sweep. Few expected the Warriors to win, let alone dominate the series, but their victory remains a memorable moment in NBA Finals history.
St Louis Hawks vs. Boston Celtics (1958)
The Boston Celtics were on the verge of building a legendary dynasty with all the right pieces in place to make NBA history. However, the St. Louis Hawks, the team that had originally drafted Bill Russell, played the role of spoilers to Boston’s hopes of an unprecedented ten consecutive championships.
On this day in 1958… Bob Pettit dropped 50 points to lead the St. Louis Hawks to their first and only NBA Championship! #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/xQ6hDafEc5
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 12, 2022
Russell, the league MVP, was dominating the boards with an impressive 22.7 rebounds per game, supported by Bill Sharman and Bob Cousy. Yet, the Hawks, motivated by their desire to avenge the previous season’s Finals loss to the Celtics, came out strong. Led by Bob Pettit, who scored an astounding 50 points in the title-clinching Game 6, St. Louis shocked the Celtics and claimed the championship.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1977)
The 1977 NBA Finals saw the Portland Trail Blazers, a team of largely inexperienced young players led by versatile center Bill Walton, face off against the powerhouse Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers, featuring all-stars like Julius Erving, George McGinnis, and Doug Collins, took control early, winning the first two games.
1977 #NBAFinals Down 0-2, Portland storms back. @BillWalton Game 6 clinching performance: 20 points, 23 rebounds, 8 blocks and 7 assists pic.twitter.com/FfjSs8bNIK
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 1, 2017
However, Portland responded with their trademark team play, rallying to win four consecutive games and securing the franchise’s first and only title. Bill Walton sealed the victory with an outstanding performance in Game 6, earning the Finals MVP with 20 points, 23 rebounds, 7 assists, and 8 blocks, capping off a remarkable series.
Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic (1995)
Although the Houston Rockets were the defending champions, they entered the finals as underdogs against the Orlando Magic. Houston, the sixth seed in the Western Conference, faced a formidable Magic team that had dominated the East, even eliminating the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan returning from retirement.
Hakeem (35 PTS & 15 REB) shut Orlando down 😤
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 22, 2020
Magic vs. Rockets, 1995 NBA Finals Game 4 – 1:30pm ET on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/CPPb7tHK0N
Led by veterans Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, the Rockets were up against the young, dominant duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee Hardaway. However, the experience proved to be the deciding factor as the Rockets swept the Magic, with Olajuwon outplaying Shaq and showcasing his dominance throughout the series.
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