In the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the NBA Playoffs, momentum can shift in an instant — and some of the most unforgettable moments in league history have come from teams clawing back from massive deficits. While rare, comebacks from 20+ points down prove that no lead is ever truly safe in postseason basketball.
Knicks Rally to Stun Celtics in 2025
The most recent example came on May 5, 2025, when the New York Knicks overcame a 20-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 108–105 in overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks’ furious rally, led by clutch shooting and suffocating defense, stunned a packed TD Garden crowd and delivered an early playoff shocker.
The game served as a reminder of how unpredictable playoff basketball can be — and joined an elite group of games in which teams pulled off incredible turnarounds.
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Notable NBA Playoff Comebacks From 20+ Point Deficits
Here are some of the biggest comebacks in NBA postseason history:
| Deficit | Team | Opponent | Date | Final Score | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 pts | LA Clippers | Warriors | Apr 15, 2019 | 135–131 | First Round |
| 29 pts | OKC Thunder | Grizzlies | Apr 24, 2025 | 114–108 | First Round |
| 27 pts | LA Clippers | Grizzlies | Apr 29, 2012 | 99–98 | First Round |
| 26 pts | Celtics | Nets | May 25, 2002 | 94–90 | Eastern Conference Finals |
| 26 pts | Cavaliers | Pacers | Apr 20, 2017 | 119–114 | First Round |
| 26 pts | Hawks | 76ers | Jun 16, 2021 | 109–106 | Eastern Conference Semifinals |
| 26 pts | Grizzlies | Timberwolves | Apr 21, 2022 | 104–95 | First Round |
| 25 pts | Warriors | Spurs | May 14, 2017 | 113–111 | Western Conference Finals |
| 25 pts | OKC Thunder | Jazz | Apr 25, 2018 | 107–99 | First Round |
| 25 pts | LA Clippers | Jazz | Jun 18, 2021 | 131–119 | Western Conference Semifinals |
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What Makes These Comebacks Special?
Comebacks of this magnitude demand a perfect storm: defensive intensity, elite shot-making, and the mental toughness to outlast a confident opponent. They’re not just statistical anomalies — they’re iconic moments that define careers and franchises.
Whether it’s a 31-point stunner from the Clippers or the Knicks’ recent heroics, these games are etched into NBA lore as reminders that it’s never over until the final buzzer.
Takeaway
The NBA Playoffs are built on drama and unpredictability, and no storyline delivers like a team storming back from a deep deficit. With every postseason, fans are reminded: no lead is safe, and anything is possible in the world of basketball.
