Biggest NBA comeback ever: Games that shocked basketball history

[Disclaimer: This article is intended for US audiences.]

Comeback Games You Need to Remember

You know how wild momentum can get if you’ve watched enough basketball. One minute, a team is up by 30 and cruising; the next, the crowd’s stunned, the bench is silent, and the comeback is on. The NBA has seen its fair share of rallies, but only a few games live in infamy as the biggest NBA comeback moments ever.

Whether you’re a hoops historian or just hunting for a good angle on your next NBA bets BetUS slip, the sheer drama of these games is something every fan remembers. So, let’s rewind and relive some of the craziest turnarounds in league history.

The Biggest Comeback in NBA History: Clippers Make the Record Books

Let’s start at the top. The official biggest NBA comeback of all time happened on December 21, 2009. The Los Angeles Clippers found themselves down by 35 points against the Golden State Warriors. Most teams would mentally check out. But this Clippers squad? They fought back—and pulled off the unthinkable.

Final score? 123–115. The Clippers erased a 35-point deficit, setting the bar for what a comeback looks like in the league. This wasn’t just a W—it was a message that no lead is ever safe.

So, if you’ve ever asked, “What is the greatest comeback in NBA history?”—now you know. It’s this game, and it still holds the crown.

All-Star Antics: Biggest Comeback in the NBA All-Star Game

All-Star Games aren’t known for defense, but comebacks can happen even in that freewheeling chaos. The 2001 All-Star Game is a perfect example. The East was down by 21 points at one stage, but Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury went full takeover mode in the fourth quarter.

That comeback, while not the largest NBA comeback overall, remains the most iconic rally in All-Star history. And for those wondering, “What was the biggest comeback in the NBA All-Star Game?”—this one’s still the blueprint.

When the Tables Turned: More Biggest NBA Comeback Classics

A few more unforgettable rallies deserve their flowers:

Boston Celtics vs. San Antonio Spurs (2022)

Down 32 points, the Celtics clawed back behind Jayson Tatum’s scoring flurry. The energy in TD Garden flipped like a switch. Games like this remind you why fans stick around—even when it feels hopeless.

Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets (1996)

Trailing by 36 points, Utah flipped the script and returned to win. It’s a lesser-known entry on the biggest comeback in NBA history list, but trust me—it was pure madness.

Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls (2009)

Down by 35, the Kings rallied back with firepower from Kevin Martin and Tyreke Evans. It’s tied with the Clippers’ comeback for the largest NBA comeback, though some still rank L.A.’s win higher due to how explosive the second half was.

Flip Side: From Blowouts to Meltdowns

Of course, we can’t talk about comebacks without giving a nod to the other side of the coin, the collapse. Some of the biggest blowouts in NBA history were one basket away from becoming legendary meltdowns.

Think about it: what makes the biggest NBA comeback so special is the fact that it started from a blowout. And no one wants to be the team remembered for letting that happen. It’s a fine line between history and humiliation.

The 3-1 Curse: NBA Finals Edition

Now, let’s zoom out. Comebacks aren’t just about individual games. The whole series can flip on its head, too.

So if you’re asking, “Has any NBA team come back from 3-1 in the Finals?”—the answer is yes, and it’s iconic. The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, did the unthinkable against the 73-win Warriors. Down 3-1, they stormed back to win three straight and clinch Cleveland’s first-ever NBA title. That’s not just the biggest NBA comeback—it’s a legacy-defining moment.

Betting on Momentum (And Madness)

It comes at a time during every game, down 20, fans leaving early, when you wonder: Is this really over? That’s when the NBA reminds you why it’s different, why no lead is safe. And why do smart bettors keep an eye on tempo, depth, and which teams don’t quit.

So don’t count it out the next time you watch a blowout. If anything, it might be the start of the next chapter in the biggest NBA comeback history—and maybe even your best live-bet opportunity on NBA bets BetUS.

It’s Not Over Until It’s Over

The NBA is built on moments—some magical, some miraculous. But few things beat the feeling of watching a team rise from the dead and flip the script. The biggest NBA comeback games didn’t just stun the crowd—they redefined what’s possible when you don’t give up.

Comebacks are the ultimate equalizer in a league filled with stars, storylines, and swings. So next time you think a game’s a wrap… think again. Because if history tells us anything, no lead is ever truly safe, and it’s not over until it’s over.

ADVT. 

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