List of teams that have overcome 3–1 series deficits

The following is the list of teams that have overcome 3–1 series deficits mainly concerning North American professional sports within a best-of-seven series. The listed teams won three consecutive games after being down three games to one. Unsuccessful comebacks are also listed, in which teams evened a series after being behind 3–1, then lost the final game of the series. The best-of-seven playoff structure is common in North American professional sports, particularly in the sports of baseball, basketball, and ice hockey, and prominently in three of the major North American professional sports leagues: Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League. There are also some intermediate North American leagues below the major league level that use the best-of-seven format, such as hockey's Calder Cup. The format is also used outside of North America, including the Taiwan Series baseball tournament, the final round of the Japan Series, the Chinese, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Turkish basketball leagues, and later rounds of the Gagarin Cup of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) based in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China. All 3–1 deficit comebacks in a seven-game series involve winning three straight elimination games, including a winnner-take-all Game 7. Longer series of this nature are almost always structured as single-elimination knockout tournaments, so one more loss ends playoff contention for the losing side. This is similar to a comeback from a 2–0 series deficit in a best-of-five series, which also requires winning three straight games. Implicit in overcoming a 3–1 series deficit are all teams that have overcome a 3–0 series deficit. These are noted in the series comment cells and — lacking an explicit column in the tabular format — can be identified with a "3–0".

Tables

· Key

Eventual champion

Col 1

Eventual champion

Indicates the team that had home advantage

Indicates the series winner won (or went on to win) the championship

	Indicates the team that had home advantage
	Indicates series in the championship round
Eventual champion	Indicates the series winner won (or went on to win) the championship

· Major League Baseball › Successful comebacks

1925 World Series

Year and series

1925 World Series

Series Winner

Pittsburgh Pirates

Series Loser

Washington Senators

Note(s)

In Game 7, the Pirates trailed 4–0 and faced a 7–6 deficit with 2 outs in the 8th inning. The Pirates would then rally for 3 runs in the 8th, capped off by a 2-run double by Kiki Cuyler, to make it 9–7, which would be the series-winning hit. The Pirates became the first major North American professional sports team to overcome a 3–1 deficit in a b

1958 World Series

Year and series

1958 World Series

Series Winner

New York Yankees

Series Loser

Milwaukee Braves

Note(s)

Also trailed 2–0 in the series, and the Yankees won games 6 and 7 in Milwaukee. In Game 6, the Yankees won in extra innings thanks to a go-ahead home run in the 10th by Gil McDougald, and an RBI single by Moose Skowron, before hanging on in the bottom half to win 4–3. In Game 7, the game was tied going into the 8th inning, before the Yankees rallie

1968 World Series

Year and series

1968 World Series

Series Winner

Detroit Tigers

Series Loser

St. Louis Cardinals

Note(s)

For the second straight season, the Cardinals were forced to a Game 7 after previously leading the series 3–1. Tigers trailed 3–0 early in game 5, but rallied to win 5–3 thanks to a lead-changing 2-run single by Al Kaline in the 7th. The Tigers would then win Games 6 and 7 in St. Louis to complete the 3–1 comeback. After trailing 3–0 in Game 5, the

1979 World Series

Year and series

1979 World Series

Series Winner

Pittsburgh Pirates

Series Loser

Baltimore Orioles

Note(s)

Pirates won games 6 and 7 in Baltimore. In Game 7, the Pirates led 2–1 in the 8th inning, and were able to hang on to their lead after getting Eddie Murray to fly out with the bases loaded. The Pirates would add 2 runs in the 9th to win 4–1 and complete the comeback. After trailing 1–0 in Game 5, the Pirates outscored the Orioles 15–1 for the rest

1985 ALCS

Year and series

1985 ALCS

Series Winner

Kansas City Royals

Series Loser

Toronto Blue Jays

Note(s)

This was the first year the LCS became a seven-game series, and the Royals also trailed 2–0 in the series. After going down 3–1 in the series, the Royals wouldn't trail the rest of the way, with games 6 and 7 being won in Toronto.

1985 World Series

Year and series

1985 World Series

Series Winner

St. Louis Cardinals

Series Loser

Also trailed 2–0 in the series. In Game 6, the Royals trailed 1–0 going into the bottom of the 9th, 3 outs away from elimination. After pinch-hitter Jorge Orta was controversially called safe at first to lead off the inning, Jack Clark would lose track of a Steve Balboni foul pop-up which led to a single later in the at-bat. With runners on first a

1986 ALCS

Year and series

1986 ALCS

Series Winner

Boston Red Sox

Series Loser

California Angels

Note(s)

The Red Sox had a chance to tie the series 2–2 in Game 4 when they held a 3–0 lead going into the 9th inning, but they instead became the first team in postseason history to blow a 3-run 9th inning lead, to go down 3–1 in the series. However, they would turn the tables in Game 5 when they faced a 5–2 deficit in the 9th inning, 3 outs away from elim

1996 NLCS

Year and series

1996 NLCS

Series Winner

Atlanta Braves

Series Loser

St. Louis Cardinals

Note(s)

The Braves blew a 3–0 lead in the 7th inning of Game 4 to go down 3–1 in the series, but would dominate the final 3 games, including wins in games 5 and 7 by scores of 14–0 and 15–0 respectively. In the final three games of the series, the Braves outscored the Cardinals 32–1. This was the third blown 3–1 lead for the Cardinals in franchise history.

2003 NLCS

Year and series

2003 NLCS

Series Winner

Florida Marlins

Series Loser

Chicago Cubs

Note(s)

The Marlins won games 6 and 7 in Chicago. In Game 6, the Marlins trailed 3–0 in the 8th inning, 5 outs away from elimination. After a double by Juan Pierre, Luis Castillo hit a pop-up near the stands that many Cubs fans reached for, before bouncing off of the hands of Steve Bartman. Moisés Alou was visibly angry, and the Cubs pleaded for a fan inte

2004 ALCS

Year and series

2004 ALCS

Series Winner

Boston Red Sox

Series Loser

New York Yankees

Note(s)

The Red Sox trailed 3–0 in the series and were 3 outs away from being swept in Game 4. Trailing 4–3 in the bottom of the 9th, Kevin Millar walked to lead off the inning before being pinch ran for by Dave Roberts. Roberts stole second, and two pitches later, Bill Mueller tied the game with an RBI single to force extra innings. In the 12th inning, Da

2007 ALCS

Year and series

2007 ALCS

Series Winner

Boston Red Sox

Series Loser

Cleveland Indians

Note(s)

After losing Game 4 to trail 3–1 in the series, the Red Sox dominated the Indians in the final 3 games, winning 7–1, 12–2 and 11–2; outscoring them by a combined 30–5. Despite Game 7 ending in a blowout, the Indians had a chance to tie the game in the 7th, but Kenny Lofton was controversially held at third base on a single by Franklin Gutiérrez, an

2012 NLCS

Year and series

2012 NLCS

Series Winner

San Francisco Giants

Series Loser

St. Louis Cardinals

Note(s)

The Giants reached the NLDS after overcoming a 2–0 series deficit in the NLDS. After losing Game 4 to trail 3–1 in the series, the Giants dominated the Cardinals in the final 3 games, winning 5–0, 6–1 and 9–1; outscoring them by a combined 20–1. The Giants went on to win the World Series. This was the fourth blown 3–1 lead for the Cardinals in fran

2016 World Series

Year and series

2016 World Series

Series Winner

Chicago Cubs

Series Loser

Cleveland Indians

Note(s)

Cubs won games 6 and 7 in Cleveland. Aroldis Chapman pitched an 8-out save to force a Game 6, and Addison Russell's 6 RBIs including a grand slam helped the Cubs force a Game 7. The Cubs led 5–1 in Game 7 before a rare 2-run wild pitch thrown by Jon Lestermade it 5–3. David Ross would make it 6–3 on a home run in his final major league at-bat. This

2020 NLCS

Year and series

2020 NLCS

Series Winner

Los Angeles Dodgers

Series Loser

Atlanta Braves

Note(s)

Also trailed 2–0 in the series before an 11-run 1st inning for the Dodgers allowed them to win Game 3. In Game 5, the Braves led 2–0 and appeared to take a 3-run lead on a sac fly, however Marcell Ozuna left 3rd base too early and the run was negated. After cutting the lead to 1, Dodgers catcher Will Smith hit a 3-run homer off Braves reliever Will

Year and series	Series Winner	Series Loser	Note(s)	Pattern
1925 World Series	Pittsburgh Pirates	Washington Senators	In Game 7, the Pirates trailed 4–0 and faced a 7–6 deficit with 2 outs in the 8th inning. The Pirates would then rally for 3 runs in the 8th, capped off by a 2-run double by Kiki Cuyler, to make it 9–7, which would be the series-winning hit. The Pirates became the first major North American professional sports team to overcome a 3–1 deficit in a b
1958 World Series	New York Yankees	Milwaukee Braves	Also trailed 2–0 in the series, and the Yankees won games 6 and 7 in Milwaukee. In Game 6, the Yankees won in extra innings thanks to a go-ahead home run in the 10th by Gil McDougald, and an RBI single by Moose Skowron, before hanging on in the bottom half to win 4–3. In Game 7, the game was tied going into the 8th inning, before the Yankees rallie
1968 World Series	Detroit Tigers	St. Louis Cardinals	For the second straight season, the Cardinals were forced to a Game 7 after previously leading the series 3–1. Tigers trailed 3–0 early in game 5, but rallied to win 5–3 thanks to a lead-changing 2-run single by Al Kaline in the 7th. The Tigers would then win Games 6 and 7 in St. Louis to complete the 3–1 comeback. After trailing 3–0 in Game 5, the
1979 World Series	Pittsburgh Pirates	Baltimore Orioles	Pirates won games 6 and 7 in Baltimore. In Game 7, the Pirates led 2–1 in the 8th inning, and were able to hang on to their lead after getting Eddie Murray to fly out with the bases loaded. The Pirates would add 2 runs in the 9th to win 4–1 and complete the comeback. After trailing 1–0 in Game 5, the Pirates outscored the Orioles 15–1 for the rest
1985 ALCS	Kansas City Royals	Toronto Blue Jays	This was the first year the LCS became a seven-game series, and the Royals also trailed 2–0 in the series. After going down 3–1 in the series, the Royals wouldn't trail the rest of the way, with games 6 and 7 being won in Toronto.
1985 World Series	Kansas City Royals	St. Louis Cardinals	Also trailed 2–0 in the series. In Game 6, the Royals trailed 1–0 going into the bottom of the 9th, 3 outs away from elimination. After pinch-hitter Jorge Orta was controversially called safe at first to lead off the inning, Jack Clark would lose track of a Steve Balboni foul pop-up which led to a single later in the at-bat. With runners on first a
1986 ALCS	Boston Red Sox	California Angels	The Red Sox had a chance to tie the series 2–2 in Game 4 when they held a 3–0 lead going into the 9th inning, but they instead became the first team in postseason history to blow a 3-run 9th inning lead, to go down 3–1 in the series. However, they would turn the tables in Game 5 when they faced a 5–2 deficit in the 9th inning, 3 outs away from elim
1996 NLCS	Atlanta Braves	St. Louis Cardinals	The Braves blew a 3–0 lead in the 7th inning of Game 4 to go down 3–1 in the series, but would dominate the final 3 games, including wins in games 5 and 7 by scores of 14–0 and 15–0 respectively. In the final three games of the series, the Braves outscored the Cardinals 32–1. This was the third blown 3–1 lead for the Cardinals in franchise history.
2003 NLCS	Florida Marlins	Chicago Cubs	The Marlins won games 6 and 7 in Chicago. In Game 6, the Marlins trailed 3–0 in the 8th inning, 5 outs away from elimination. After a double by Juan Pierre, Luis Castillo hit a pop-up near the stands that many Cubs fans reached for, before bouncing off of the hands of Steve Bartman. Moisés Alou was visibly angry, and the Cubs pleaded for a fan inte
2004 ALCS	Boston Red Sox	New York Yankees	The Red Sox trailed 3–0 in the series and were 3 outs away from being swept in Game 4. Trailing 4–3 in the bottom of the 9th, Kevin Millar walked to lead off the inning before being pinch ran for by Dave Roberts. Roberts stole second, and two pitches later, Bill Mueller tied the game with an RBI single to force extra innings. In the 12th inning, Da
2007 ALCS	Boston Red Sox	Cleveland Indians	After losing Game 4 to trail 3–1 in the series, the Red Sox dominated the Indians in the final 3 games, winning 7–1, 12–2 and 11–2; outscoring them by a combined 30–5. Despite Game 7 ending in a blowout, the Indians had a chance to tie the game in the 7th, but Kenny Lofton was controversially held at third base on a single by Franklin Gutiérrez, an
2012 NLCS	San Francisco Giants	St. Louis Cardinals	The Giants reached the NLDS after overcoming a 2–0 series deficit in the NLDS. After losing Game 4 to trail 3–1 in the series, the Giants dominated the Cardinals in the final 3 games, winning 5–0, 6–1 and 9–1; outscoring them by a combined 20–1. The Giants went on to win the World Series. This was the fourth blown 3–1 lead for the Cardinals in fran
2016 World Series	Chicago Cubs	Cleveland Indians	Cubs won games 6 and 7 in Cleveland. Aroldis Chapman pitched an 8-out save to force a Game 6, and Addison Russell's 6 RBIs including a grand slam helped the Cubs force a Game 7. The Cubs led 5–1 in Game 7 before a rare 2-run wild pitch thrown by Jon Lestermade it 5–3. David Ross would make it 6–3 on a home run in his final major league at-bat. This
2020 NLCS	Los Angeles Dodgers	Atlanta Braves	Also trailed 2–0 in the series before an 11-run 1st inning for the Dodgers allowed them to win Game 3. In Game 5, the Braves led 2–0 and appeared to take a 3-run lead on a sac fly, however Marcell Ozuna left 3rd base too early and the run was negated. After cutting the lead to 1, Dodgers catcher Will Smith hit a 3-run homer off Braves reliever Will

· Major League Baseball › Unsuccessful comebacks

1912 World Series

Year and series

1912 World Series

Series Loser

New York Giants

Series Winner

Boston Red Sox

Note(s)

An eighth game was played in Boston following a tie in Game 2 due to darkness. In Game 8, the Giants were leading 2–1 heading to the bottom of 10th inning. With 1 out, Tris Speaker hit a pop-up that fell untouched in between three Giants players. Speaker then took advantage by tying the game on an RBI single, before Larry Gardner hit a walk-off sac

1967 World Series

Year and series

1967 World Series

Series Loser

Boston Red Sox

Series Winner

St. Louis Cardinals

Note(s)

Cardinals won Game 7 in Boston in Bob Gibson's third complete game victory of the Series, limiting the Red Sox to just 3 hits. Of the five times the Cardinals have been forced into a game seven after leading a best-of-seven series 3–1, this is the only time they have been victorious in game seven.

1972 World Series

Year and series

1972 World Series

Series Loser

Cincinnati Reds

Series Winner

Oakland Athletics

Note(s)

Reds trailed 4–3 in the 8th inning of Game 5, before scoring a run in both the 8th and 9th innings, with Pete Rose knocking in the game-winning run. In Game 7 the Athletics would narrowly defeat the Reds 3–2, after Rose to lined out to left field in a golden pitch situation. With the win, the Athletics became the first team ever to win two winner-t

1992 NLCS

Year and series

1992 NLCS

Series Loser

Pittsburgh Pirates

Series Winner

Atlanta Braves

Note(s)

In Games 5 and 6, the Pirates outscored the Braves 20–5. In Game 7, the Pirates entered the bottom of the 9th leading 2–0. While the Braves scored a run to make it 2–1, the Pirates were 1 out away from advancing to the World Series. But with 2 outs and the bases loaded, Francisco Cabrera hit a walk-off 2-run single to win the series, as the Braves

2008 ALCS

Year and series

2008 ALCS

Series Loser

Boston Red Sox

Series Winner

Tampa Bay Rays

Note(s)

The Red Sox trailed 7–0 in the 7th inning of Game 5, but rallied for 4 runs in the 7th and 3 runs in the 8th inning to tie the game. Then, in the 9th, J. D. Drew hit a walk-off single to force a Game 6, completing the second-largest comeback in postseason history, after Game 4 of the 1929 World Series, and the largest comeback while facing eliminat

2020 ALCS

Year and series

2020 ALCS

Series Loser

Houston Astros

Series Winner

Tampa Bay Rays

Note(s)

The Astros trailed 3–0 in the series. In Game 5, Carlos Correa hit a walk-off home run to force a Game 6, which they would win to become the second team in MLB history to force a Game 7 after trailing 3–0. However, in Game 7, the Rays took an early lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Series was played at Petco Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic and

Year and series	Series Loser	Series Winner	Note(s)	Pattern
1912 World Series	New York Giants	Boston Red Sox	An eighth game was played in Boston following a tie in Game 2 due to darkness. In Game 8, the Giants were leading 2–1 heading to the bottom of 10th inning. With 1 out, Tris Speaker hit a pop-up that fell untouched in between three Giants players. Speaker then took advantage by tying the game on an RBI single, before Larry Gardner hit a walk-off sac
1967 World Series	Boston Red Sox	St. Louis Cardinals	Cardinals won Game 7 in Boston in Bob Gibson's third complete game victory of the Series, limiting the Red Sox to just 3 hits. Of the five times the Cardinals have been forced into a game seven after leading a best-of-seven series 3–1, this is the only time they have been victorious in game seven.
1972 World Series	Cincinnati Reds	Oakland Athletics	Reds trailed 4–3 in the 8th inning of Game 5, before scoring a run in both the 8th and 9th innings, with Pete Rose knocking in the game-winning run. In Game 7 the Athletics would narrowly defeat the Reds 3–2, after Rose to lined out to left field in a golden pitch situation. With the win, the Athletics became the first team ever to win two winner-t
1992 NLCS	Pittsburgh Pirates	Atlanta Braves	In Games 5 and 6, the Pirates outscored the Braves 20–5. In Game 7, the Pirates entered the bottom of the 9th leading 2–0. While the Braves scored a run to make it 2–1, the Pirates were 1 out away from advancing to the World Series. But with 2 outs and the bases loaded, Francisco Cabrera hit a walk-off 2-run single to win the series, as the Braves
2008 ALCS	Boston Red Sox	Tampa Bay Rays	The Red Sox trailed 7–0 in the 7th inning of Game 5, but rallied for 4 runs in the 7th and 3 runs in the 8th inning to tie the game. Then, in the 9th, J. D. Drew hit a walk-off single to force a Game 6, completing the second-largest comeback in postseason history, after Game 4 of the 1929 World Series, and the largest comeback while facing eliminat
2020 ALCS	Houston Astros	Tampa Bay Rays	The Astros trailed 3–0 in the series. In Game 5, Carlos Correa hit a walk-off home run to force a Game 6, which they would win to become the second team in MLB history to force a Game 7 after trailing 3–0. However, in Game 7, the Rays took an early lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Series was played at Petco Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic and

· National Basketball Association › Successful comebacks

1968 Eastern Division finals

Year and series

1968 Eastern Division finals

Series Winner

Boston Celtics

Series Loser

Philadelphia 76ers

Note(s)

The Celtics won two games on the road from the 3–1 deficit, and also won the NBA Finals.

Pattern

Celtics → 76ers → 76ers → 76ers → Celtics → Celtics → Celtics

1970 Western Division semifinals

Year and series

1970 Western Division semifinals

Series Winner

Los Angeles Lakers

Series Loser

Phoenix Suns

Note(s)

The Lakers later reached the NBA Finals, where they lost to the New York Knicks in seven games.

Pattern

Lakers → Suns → Suns → Suns → Lakers → Lakers → Lakers

1979 Eastern Conference finals

Year and series

1979 Eastern Conference finals

Series Winner

Washington Bullets

Series Loser

San Antonio Spurs

Note(s)

Reached the NBA Finals, where they lost to Seattle SuperSonics in five games.

Pattern

Spurs → Bullets → Spurs → Spurs → Bullets → Bullets → Bullets

1981 Eastern Conference finals

Year and series

1981 Eastern Conference finals

Series Winner

Boston Celtics

Series Loser

Philadelphia 76ers

Note(s)

Went on to win the NBA Finals, won games five and six by two points each, and game seven by one point.

Pattern

76ers → Celtics → 76ers → 76ers → Celtics → Celtics → Celtics

1995 Western Conference semifinals

Year and series

1995 Western Conference semifinals

Series Winner

Houston Rockets

Series Loser

Phoenix Suns

Note(s)

Trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win the series and eventually back-to-back NBA Finals, where they swept the Shaq-led Orlando Magic in four games; second time a team won two games on the road from the 3–1 deficit.

Pattern

Suns → Suns → Rockets → Suns → Rockets → Rockets → Rockets

1997 Eastern Conference semifinals

Year and series

1997 Eastern Conference semifinals

Series Winner

Miami Heat

Series Loser

New York Knicks

Note(s)

A players' fight in game five resulted in the suspension of several key Knicks players, including Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and Charlie Ward for Game 6, and John Starks and Larry Johnson for game seven in Miami.

Pattern

Knicks → Heat → Knicks → Knicks → Heat → Heat → Heat

2003 Eastern Conference first round

Year and series

2003 Eastern Conference first round

Series Winner

Detroit Pistons

Series Loser

Orlando Magic

Note(s)

First year the first round expanded to a best-of-seven series.

Pattern

Magic → Pistons → Magic → Magic → Pistons → Pistons → Pistons

2006 Western Conference first round

Year and series

2006 Western Conference first round

Series Winner

Phoenix Suns

Series Loser

Los Angeles Lakers

Note(s)

With the Lakers' comeback in 1970, this was the first time in NBA history where two franchises have overcome a 3–1 series deficit to win against one another.

Pattern

Suns → Lakers → Lakers → Lakers → Suns → Suns → Suns

2015 Western Conference semifinals

Year and series

2015 Western Conference semifinals

Series Winner

Houston Rockets

Series Loser

Los Angeles Clippers

Note(s)

Doc Rivers became first coach to blow multiple 3–1 leads after also coaching the Magic in 2003.

Pattern

Clippers → Rockets → Clippers → Clippers → Rockets → Rockets → Rockets

2016 Western Conference finals

Year and series

2016 Western Conference finals

Series Winner

Golden State Warriors

Series Loser

Oklahoma City Thunder

Note(s)

Leandro Barbosa became the first player to be part of multiple 3–1 comebacks after also playing for the Suns in 2006.

Pattern

Thunder → Warriors → Thunder → Thunder → Warriors → Warriors → Warriors

2016 NBA Finals

Year and series

2016 NBA Finals

Series Winner

Cleveland Cavaliers

Series Loser

Golden State Warriors

Note(s)

Trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win the series. The first time a 3–1 deficit has been overcome in the NBA Finals; Golden State also had the NBA's best-ever regular season record of 73–9 and were considered heavy favorites to win the title; third time a team won two games on the road from the 3–1 deficit; the Warriors became first NBA t

Pattern

Warriors → Warriors → Cavaliers → Warriors → Cavaliers → Cavaliers → Cavaliers

2020 Western Conference first round

Year and series

2020 Western Conference first round

Series Winner

Denver Nuggets

Series Loser

Utah Jazz

Note(s)

In Game 7, Nikola Jokić scored the go-ahead hook shot with 27 seconds remaining in regulation. Mike Conley Jr.'s potential series-winning three-pointer at the buzzer rimmed out.

Pattern

Nuggets → Jazz → Jazz → Jazz → Nuggets → Nuggets → Nuggets

2020 Western Conference semifinals

Year and series

2020 Western Conference semifinals

Series Winner

Los Angeles Clippers

Series Loser

First NBA team to come back from 3–1 deficit back-to-back in a playoff run; fourth time a team won two games as the designated road team from the 3–1 deficit. Second blown 3–1 series lead in Clippers' franchise history and second such blown lead in five years; only the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns have blown two 3–1 series leads (albeit in a

Note(s)

Clippers → Nuggets → Clippers → Clippers → Nuggets → Nuggets → Nuggets

2026 Eastern Conference first round

Year and series

2026 Eastern Conference first round

Series Winner

Philadelphia 76ers

Series Loser

Boston Celtics

Note(s)

The Philadelphia 76ers became the first 7th seed to overcome a 3–1 deficit, and it is the franchise’s first time overcoming a 3–1 deficit, as well as their first win over the Celtics in a playoff series since 1982; fifth time a team won two games on the road from the 3–1 deficit. With the Celtics' comebacks in 1968 and 1981, this was the second tim

Pattern

Celtics → 76ers → Celtics → Celtics → 76ers → 76ers → 76ers

Detroit Pistons

Year and series

Detroit Pistons

Series Winner

Orlando Magic

Series Loser

The Pistons overcame a 24-point deficit in the second half of Game 6. Conversely, the Magic only scored 19 points in the 2nd half of that game, including missing a playoff-record 23 straight field goals. It is the second time the Pistons overcame a 3–1 deficit against the Magic, the last being in 2003. Coincidentally, in both instances, the Pistons

Note(s)

Magic → Pistons → Magic → Magic → Pistons → Pistons → Pistons

Year and series	Series Winner	Series Loser	Note(s)	Pattern
1968 Eastern Division finals	Boston Celtics	Philadelphia 76ers	The Celtics won two games on the road from the 3–1 deficit, and also won the NBA Finals.	Celtics → 76ers → 76ers → 76ers → Celtics → Celtics → Celtics
1970 Western Division semifinals	Los Angeles Lakers	Phoenix Suns	The Lakers later reached the NBA Finals, where they lost to the New York Knicks in seven games.	Lakers → Suns → Suns → Suns → Lakers → Lakers → Lakers
1979 Eastern Conference finals	Washington Bullets	San Antonio Spurs	Reached the NBA Finals, where they lost to Seattle SuperSonics in five games.	Spurs → Bullets → Spurs → Spurs → Bullets → Bullets → Bullets
1981 Eastern Conference finals	Boston Celtics	Philadelphia 76ers	Went on to win the NBA Finals, won games five and six by two points each, and game seven by one point.	76ers → Celtics → 76ers → 76ers → Celtics → Celtics → Celtics
1995 Western Conference semifinals	Houston Rockets	Phoenix Suns	Trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win the series and eventually back-to-back NBA Finals, where they swept the Shaq-led Orlando Magic in four games; second time a team won two games on the road from the 3–1 deficit.	Suns → Suns → Rockets → Suns → Rockets → Rockets → Rockets
1997 Eastern Conference semifinals	Miami Heat	New York Knicks	A players' fight in game five resulted in the suspension of several key Knicks players, including Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and Charlie Ward for Game 6, and John Starks and Larry Johnson for game seven in Miami.	Knicks → Heat → Knicks → Knicks → Heat → Heat → Heat
2003 Eastern Conference first round	Detroit Pistons	Orlando Magic	First year the first round expanded to a best-of-seven series.	Magic → Pistons → Magic → Magic → Pistons → Pistons → Pistons
2006 Western Conference first round	Phoenix Suns	Los Angeles Lakers	With the Lakers' comeback in 1970, this was the first time in NBA history where two franchises have overcome a 3–1 series deficit to win against one another.	Suns → Lakers → Lakers → Lakers → Suns → Suns → Suns
2015 Western Conference semifinals	Houston Rockets	Los Angeles Clippers	Doc Rivers became first coach to blow multiple 3–1 leads after also coaching the Magic in 2003.	Clippers → Rockets → Clippers → Clippers → Rockets → Rockets → Rockets
2016 Western Conference finals	Golden State Warriors	Oklahoma City Thunder	Leandro Barbosa became the first player to be part of multiple 3–1 comebacks after also playing for the Suns in 2006.	Thunder → Warriors → Thunder → Thunder → Warriors → Warriors → Warriors
2016 NBA Finals	Cleveland Cavaliers	Golden State Warriors	Trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win the series. The first time a 3–1 deficit has been overcome in the NBA Finals; Golden State also had the NBA's best-ever regular season record of 73–9 and were considered heavy favorites to win the title; third time a team won two games on the road from the 3–1 deficit; the Warriors became first NBA t	Warriors → Warriors → Cavaliers → Warriors → Cavaliers → Cavaliers → Cavaliers
2020 Western Conference first round	Denver Nuggets	Utah Jazz	In Game 7, Nikola Jokić scored the go-ahead hook shot with 27 seconds remaining in regulation. Mike Conley Jr.'s potential series-winning three-pointer at the buzzer rimmed out.	Nuggets → Jazz → Jazz → Jazz → Nuggets → Nuggets → Nuggets
2020 Western Conference semifinals	Denver Nuggets	Los Angeles Clippers	First NBA team to come back from 3–1 deficit back-to-back in a playoff run; fourth time a team won two games as the designated road team from the 3–1 deficit. Second blown 3–1 series lead in Clippers' franchise history and second such blown lead in five years; only the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns have blown two 3–1 series leads (albeit in a	Clippers → Nuggets → Clippers → Clippers → Nuggets → Nuggets → Nuggets
2026 Eastern Conference first round	Philadelphia 76ers	Boston Celtics	The Philadelphia 76ers became the first 7th seed to overcome a 3–1 deficit, and it is the franchise’s first time overcoming a 3–1 deficit, as well as their first win over the Celtics in a playoff series since 1982; fifth time a team won two games on the road from the 3–1 deficit. With the Celtics' comebacks in 1968 and 1981, this was the second tim	Celtics → 76ers → Celtics → Celtics → 76ers → 76ers → 76ers
2026 Eastern Conference first round	Detroit Pistons	Orlando Magic	The Pistons overcame a 24-point deficit in the second half of Game 6. Conversely, the Magic only scored 19 points in the 2nd half of that game, including missing a playoff-record 23 straight field goals. It is the second time the Pistons overcame a 3–1 deficit against the Magic, the last being in 2003. Coincidentally, in both instances, the Pistons	Magic → Pistons → Magic → Magic → Pistons → Pistons → Pistons

· National Basketball Association › Unsuccessful comebacks

1951 NBA Finals

Year and series

1951 NBA Finals

Series Loser

New York Knicks

Series Winner

Rochester Royals

Note(s)

The Knicks become the first team to force a seventh game after falling behind 3–0 in the series. It is the only championship for the franchise, now the Sacramento Kings.

1966 Western Division finals

Year and series

1966 Western Division finals

Series Loser

St. Louis Hawks

Series Winner

Los Angeles Lakers

1966 NBA Finals

Year and series

1966 NBA Finals

Series Loser

Los Angeles Lakers

Series Winner

Boston Celtics

1971 Eastern Conference semifinals

Year and series

1971 Eastern Conference semifinals

Series Loser

Philadelphia 76ers

Series Winner

Baltimore Bullets

1973 Eastern Conference finals

Year and series

1973 Eastern Conference finals

Series Loser

Boston Celtics

Series Winner

New York Knicks

Note(s)

The Knicks become the first team to avoid losing an NBA playoff series after squandering a 3–1 lead by winning the seventh game on the road. First game seven loss in Celtics history.

1978 Western Conference semifinals

Year and series

1978 Western Conference semifinals

Series Loser

Milwaukee Bucks

Series Winner

Denver Nuggets

Note(s)

First NBA playoff series victory for the Nuggets.

1979 Eastern Conference semifinals

Year and series

1979 Eastern Conference semifinals

Series Loser

Atlanta Hawks

Series Winner

Washington Bullets

Note(s)

Remains the most recent season the Bullets/Wizards franchise has advanced past this round of the playoffs.

Philadelphia 76ers

Year and series

Philadelphia 76ers

Series Loser

San Antonio Spurs

Series Winner

First NBA playoff series victory in Spurs history. San Antonio would again be forced to a seventh game after having a 3–1 series lead in the Conference Finals, but this time lost the seventh game.

1981 Western Conference semifinals

Year and series

1981 Western Conference semifinals

Series Loser

Phoenix Suns

Series Winner

Kansas City Kings

Note(s)

The Kings became the first team in NBA playoff history seeded lower than fourth in the conference to eliminate the top-seeded team in the conference in the Conference Semifinals.

1982 Eastern Conference finals

Year and series

1982 Eastern Conference finals

Series Loser

Boston Celtics

Series Winner

Philadelphia 76ers

Note(s)

The 76ers avoided losing a 3–1 series advantage to the Celtics for a third time (and a second time in as many years).

1987 Eastern Conference semifinals

Year and series

1987 Eastern Conference semifinals

Series Loser

Milwaukee Bucks

Series Winner

Boston Celtics

1994 Western Conference semifinals

Year and series

1994 Western Conference semifinals

Series Loser

Denver Nuggets

Series Winner

Utah Jazz

Note(s)

The Nuggets became the second NBA team to overcome a 3–0 series deficit to force a seventh game after becoming the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the First Round.

1995 Eastern Conference semifinals

Year and series

1995 Eastern Conference semifinals

Series Loser

New York Knicks

Series Winner

Indiana Pacers

Note(s)

Patrick Ewing's game-tying layup attempt at the buzzer just misses as the Pacers avenge their playoff series losses to the Knicks over the previous two seasons.

1996 Western Conference finals

Year and series

1996 Western Conference finals

Series Loser

Utah Jazz

Series Winner

Seattle SuperSonics

1997 Western Conference semifinals

Year and series

1997 Western Conference semifinals

Series Loser

Seattle SuperSonics

Series Winner

Houston Rockets

Note(s)

Houston avenges their playoff series loss against the SuperSonics in the previous year's Conference Semifinals.

2000 Western Conference finals

Year and series

2000 Western Conference finals

Series Loser

Portland Trail Blazers

Series Winner

Los Angeles Lakers

Note(s)

Los Angeles overcomes a 15-point deficit with ten minutes remaining to come back in game seven while denying the Trail Blazers of a series comeback in the process.

2003 Western Conference first round

Year and series

2003 Western Conference first round

Series Loser

Portland Trail Blazers

Series Winner

Dallas Mavericks

Note(s)

The Trail Blazers become the third NBA team to force a seventh game after falling behind 3–0 in the series.

2006 Western Conference semifinals

Year and series

2006 Western Conference semifinals

Series Loser

San Antonio Spurs

Series Winner

Dallas Mavericks

Note(s)

The Mavericks become the first NBA team to deny the comeback by winning the seventh game in overtime.

2012 Western Conference first round

Year and series

2012 Western Conference first round

Series Loser

Denver Nuggets

Series Winner

Los Angeles Lakers

Memphis Grizzlies

Year and series

Memphis Grizzlies

Series Loser

Los Angeles Clippers

2013 Eastern Conference first round

Year and series

2013 Eastern Conference first round

Series Loser

Brooklyn Nets

Series Winner

Chicago Bulls

2023 Eastern Conference finals

Year and series

2023 Eastern Conference finals

Series Loser

Boston Celtics

Series Winner

Miami Heat

Note(s)

Celtics became the first team to host a game seven after trailing 3–0 in a series.

2025 Western Conference first round

Year and series

2025 Western Conference first round

Series Loser

Houston Rockets

Series Winner

Golden State Warriors

Year and series	Series Loser	Series Winner	Note(s)	Pattern
1951 NBA Finals	New York Knicks	Rochester Royals	The Knicks become the first team to force a seventh game after falling behind 3–0 in the series. It is the only championship for the franchise, now the Sacramento Kings.
1966 Western Division finals	St. Louis Hawks	Los Angeles Lakers
1966 NBA Finals	Los Angeles Lakers	Boston Celtics
1971 Eastern Conference semifinals	Philadelphia 76ers	Baltimore Bullets
1973 Eastern Conference finals	Boston Celtics	New York Knicks	The Knicks become the first team to avoid losing an NBA playoff series after squandering a 3–1 lead by winning the seventh game on the road. First game seven loss in Celtics history.
1978 Western Conference semifinals	Milwaukee Bucks	Denver Nuggets	First NBA playoff series victory for the Nuggets.
1979 Eastern Conference semifinals	Atlanta Hawks	Washington Bullets	Remains the most recent season the Bullets/Wizards franchise has advanced past this round of the playoffs.
1979 Eastern Conference semifinals	Philadelphia 76ers	San Antonio Spurs	First NBA playoff series victory in Spurs history. San Antonio would again be forced to a seventh game after having a 3–1 series lead in the Conference Finals, but this time lost the seventh game.
1981 Western Conference semifinals	Phoenix Suns	Kansas City Kings	The Kings became the first team in NBA playoff history seeded lower than fourth in the conference to eliminate the top-seeded team in the conference in the Conference Semifinals.
1982 Eastern Conference finals	Boston Celtics	Philadelphia 76ers	The 76ers avoided losing a 3–1 series advantage to the Celtics for a third time (and a second time in as many years).
1987 Eastern Conference semifinals	Milwaukee Bucks	Boston Celtics
1994 Western Conference semifinals	Denver Nuggets	Utah Jazz	The Nuggets became the second NBA team to overcome a 3–0 series deficit to force a seventh game after becoming the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the First Round.
1995 Eastern Conference semifinals	New York Knicks	Indiana Pacers	Patrick Ewing's game-tying layup attempt at the buzzer just misses as the Pacers avenge their playoff series losses to the Knicks over the previous two seasons.
1996 Western Conference finals	Utah Jazz	Seattle SuperSonics
1997 Western Conference semifinals	Seattle SuperSonics	Houston Rockets	Houston avenges their playoff series loss against the SuperSonics in the previous year's Conference Semifinals.
2000 Western Conference finals	Portland Trail Blazers	Los Angeles Lakers	Los Angeles overcomes a 15-point deficit with ten minutes remaining to come back in game seven while denying the Trail Blazers of a series comeback in the process.
2003 Western Conference first round	Portland Trail Blazers	Dallas Mavericks	The Trail Blazers become the third NBA team to force a seventh game after falling behind 3–0 in the series.
2006 Western Conference semifinals	San Antonio Spurs	Dallas Mavericks	The Mavericks become the first NBA team to deny the comeback by winning the seventh game in overtime.
2012 Western Conference first round	Denver Nuggets	Los Angeles Lakers
2012 Western Conference first round	Memphis Grizzlies	Los Angeles Clippers
2013 Eastern Conference first round	Brooklyn Nets	Chicago Bulls
2023 Eastern Conference finals	Boston Celtics	Miami Heat	Celtics became the first team to host a game seven after trailing 3–0 in a series.
2025 Western Conference first round	Houston Rockets	Golden State Warriors

References

The Royals had home advantage in the 1985 World Series
Played at a neutral site
The Nuggets had designated home advantage in the 2020 Western Conference first round.
MLB
https://www.mlb.com/news/history-of-3-1-world-series-comebacks-c207699942
MLB
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1903
MLB
https://www.mlb.com/news/3-to-1-deficit-baseball-playoff-rallies-c297350110
www
https://www.sportingnews.com/au/mlb/news/mlb-teams-overcome-a-3-1-deficit-more-often-than-you-probably-realise/4iibmxmmrrjq1nc3fveglybm0
"October 17, 1979: 'Pops' Stargell named MVP as Pirates complete World Series comeback – Society for American Baseball Research"
https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-17-1979-pops-stargell-named-mvp-as-pirates-complete-world-series-comeback/
AP News
https://apnews.com/article/a25b46b84e9062d6c33b25eea1bdde58
Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/10/18/braves-lay-down-cards-pick-up-pennant/0db4c17d-3739-4da1-9061-276fa637bca4/
NPR
https://www.npr.org/series/4118428/red-sox-crush-yankees-in-historic-comeback
ESPN
https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8492529/san-francisco-giants-complete-improbable-comeback-advance-nlcs
ESPN
https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8539888/cardinals-fall-nlcs-game-7-blowout-mlb
MLB
https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-complete-historic-world-series-comeback-c207973266
The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/18/sports/baseball/dodgers-braves-game-7.html
USA Today
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/10/17/rays-beat-astros-game-7-advance-to-world-series/3700164001/
MLB
https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-win-alcs-game-7-advance-to-world-series
Sports Illustrated
https://www.si.com/nba/2015/05/18/nba-playoff-3-1-comebacks
hockey-reference
https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/playoff-comebacks.cgi
NBA Canada | The official site of the NBA
https://ca.nba.com/news/this-date-in-nba-history-may-30-warriors-win-game-7-complete-3-1-comeback-vs-thunder-in-2016-western-conference-finals/1v7sv00iafa541cjlbpo5gch9a