In the high-stakes world of the NBA Playoffs, few scenarios are as devastating—or as dramatic—as a team blowing a 3–1 series lead. While most teams in that position go on to win the series, a handful have suffered historic collapses that live on in league lore.
The Numbers: Rare But Real
As of 2024, there have been 293 instances in NBA history where a team has taken a 3–1 lead in a best-of-seven playoff series. In 280 of those cases, the team with the advantage went on to win.
However, in 13 cases, the underdog staged a comeback for the ages, turning a near-certain defeat into a stunning victory. That’s a collapse rate of just 4.4%, making it a rare but unforgettable feat when it happens.
Notable 3–1 Comeback Series in NBA History
Here are some of the most memorable instances:
- 1968: Philadelphia 76ers lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals.
- 1995: Phoenix Suns lost to the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Semifinals.
- 2006: Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Phoenix Suns in the First Round.
- 2015: Los Angeles Clippers collapsed against the Houston Rockets in the Semifinals.
- 2016: Golden State Warriors, after a record 73-win season, lost the NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- 2020 (twice):
- Utah Jazz blew a 3–1 lead to the Denver Nuggets.
- Los Angeles Clippers again lost a 3–1 lead to the Nuggets in the Semifinals.
Why It Matters
Blowing a 3–1 lead often has long-term consequences—from coaching changes to major roster overhauls. It also cements the comeback team’s legacy in playoff history. For fans, these series serve as unforgettable reminders that in the NBA Playoffs, nothing is guaranteed until the final buzzer.
Conclusion
A 3–1 lead in a playoff series may feel secure, but as history shows, no advantage is ever completely safe. For every team that collapses, another cements its place in NBA history with grit, resilience, and belief.
