NBA playoff comeback wins draw attention because of the high stakes and momentum shifts tied to postseason basketball. Hoops fans can get excited by such games when teams like the Clippers, Warriors, or Oklahoma City Thunder pull out a dramatic turnaround.
Here are some historical instances of the NBA playoff record for the largest comeback win that fans might have seen or missed.
List of Top 6 NBA Playoff Record for Best Comeback Wins
1. Clippers vs. Warriors, 2019 (31 points)
April 15, 2019: The Los Angeles Clippers, trailing 94-63 in the third quarter of Game 2 against the Warriors, mounted a furious comeback. They outscored the Warriors 72-37 from that point on, turning the deficit into a thrilling 135-131 victory in Oakland. With 7:24 left in the third quarter, they completed the largest comeback in NBA playoff history.
"You have to love this group." — Doc Rivers
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 16, 2019
The Clippers were down 31 points (94-63) to the Warriors in Oakland with 7:24 left in the third quarter and complete the biggest comeback in NBA playoff history to beat the Warriors (135-131) and tie the series.
Williams put forth a magnificent 36-point, 11-assist show, while Harrell supported the efforts with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Danilo Gallinari and Williams were also on that Clippers team.
2. Thunder vs. Grizzlies, 2025 (29 points)
April 25, 2025: Oklahoma City erased a 29-point deficit to beat Memphis 113–108 in Game 3 of the first-round series. The Thunder trailed 63–31 late in the second quarter and outscored the Grizzlies 63–31 in the second half.
Thunder beat the Grizzlies 113-108.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 25, 2025
Outscored Memphis 63-31 in the second half.
– SGA: 31-4-8
– Chet: 24 and 8 rebounds
– Dub: 26-6-5
– Caruso: 10-6-3 + 4 steals
OKC leads the series 3-0.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 31 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists. Jalen Williams added 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Chet Holmgren finished with 24 points and 8 boards. Alex Caruso had 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and a block.
The Thunder now lead the series 3-0.
Memphis lost Ja Morant to injury during the game.
3. Lakers vs. SuperSonics, 1989 (29 points)
May 14, 1989: The Los Angeles Lakers overcame a 43–14 first-quarter deficit to beat the Seattle SuperSonics 97–95 in Game 4 of the 1989 Western Conference Semifinals on May 14.
James Worthy scored 33 points. Magic Johnson added 17 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. The win completed a four-game sweep.
4. Clippers vs. Grizzlies, 2012 (27 points)
April 29, 2012: The Clippers found themselves down by 27 late into the third quarter of Game 1. In the fourth quarter, however, the Clippers outscored the Grizzlies by 35-13, sealing a 99-98 win.
Clippers come back from a 27-point deficit to take game 1 against the Grizzlies! (2012) pic.twitter.com/UQMd0WD42K
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) February 28, 2025
Chris Paul recorded 14 points and 11 assists. Nick Young knocked down a trio of fourth-quarter threes.
Los Angeles went on to win the series in seven.
5. Cavaliers vs. Pacers, 2017 (26 points)
April 20, 2017: Cleveland was down 74-49 in the third quarter of Game 3. They came back to win, 119-114. Cavaliers erased 26-point deficit, beat Pacers.
[FINAL] The Cavs complete an EPIC 26-point comeback and win, 119-114.
— Cavs Nation (@CavsNationCP) April 21, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS: https://t.co/dVNKrsEv2D pic.twitter.com/5pK5L209sM
LeBron James led the charge with 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists.
6. Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves, 2022 (26 points)
April 21, 2022: Memphis erased multiple double-figure deficits and overcame a 26-point gap in Game 3 of the first round.
The Grizzlies outscored Minnesota 37-12 in the fourth quarter, winning 104-95.
The @memgrizz overcame a 26-point deficit to defeat the Timberwolves 104-95 in Game 3 of their first round series.
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) April 22, 2022
It is the largest come-from-behind win in franchise playoff history and ties the largest comeback victory in club history (including regular season games). pic.twitter.com/EebqOwaXvw
Teams made five different 20-point comebacks in the 2025 postseason, setting a new record since play-by-play tracking started in 1997.
READ: Longest NBA Playoff Game in History
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
