Top 5 Biggest Comeback Wins in NBA History

Comebacks in the NBA happen all the time as teams find ways to win games after trailing by 8-10 points.  But it’s rare to see double-digit deficits turn into victories.  So far, we’ve seen three teams erase at least a 17-point hole, to come back and pull off the win, including the Chicago Bulls who trailed by 24 points but came back to stun the 76ers in the final seconds of the game.  But it wasn’t the largest comeback win of all-time.  We present the top five biggest and most memorable comeback wins in NBA history.

1. Utah Jazz Rally from 36 Points Down vs. Denver Nuggets (November 27, 1996)

The Utah Jazz’s 36-point comeback remains the largest in NBA regular-season history. On November 27, 1996, the Jazz faced the Denver Nuggets in Salt Lake City. Early on, it looked like a rout — Denver led 70–34 midway through the second quarter, fueled by sharpshooting from Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and Antonio McDyess.  But led by Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek, Utah began chipping away, tightening defensively and slowing the game’s pace. The Jazz outscored Denver 71–33 in the second half, completely flipping the momentum. Malone’s 31 points and relentless play in the paint ignited the crowd, while John Stockton orchestrated the comeback with his trademark precision passing.  Utah ultimately won 107–103, stunning everyone in attendance. The comeback set an NBA record for the largest deficit ever overcome to win a game, a mark that still stands nearly three decades later. It was a perfect example of the Jazz’s discipline and chemistry during their peak years.

2. Sacramento Kings Erase 35-Point Deficit vs. Chicago Bulls (December 21, 2009)

On a chilly December night in Chicago, few could have predicted what was about to unfold. The Sacramento Kings, a young and rebuilding team, faced Derrick Rose and the Bulls. By midway through the third quarter, the Bulls led by 35 points (79–44) — the game seemed over.  Then the Kings, led by rookie Tyreke Evans and sharp-shooter Omri Casspi, started mounting an improbable rally. Sacramento’s bench provided a spark, with relentless energy on defense and transition baskets igniting a furious comeback. Evans scored 23 of his 32 points in the second half, slicing through the Bulls’ defense with ease.  By the final minutes, Chicago was stunned as Sacramento completed the 102–98 victory, marking one of the largest comebacks in league history. For the Kings, it was a defining moment in an otherwise forgettable season — proof that grit and belief can rewrite any script in basketball.

3. Boston Celtics Overcome 32-Point Deficit vs. San Antonio Spurs (April 30, 2024)

The Boston Celtics’ comeback against the Spurs in 2024 ranks among the greatest modern comebacks. Facing a 32-point hole, the Celtics — led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — flipped the game with a dazzling second-half surge.  San Antonio, powered by Victor Wembanyama’s breakout performance, dominated early and led 65–33 late in the second quarter. But the Celtics adjusted defensively, forcing turnovers and pushing the pace. Tatum erupted for 38 points, including 24 in the second half, while Brown’s perimeter defense locked down the Spurs’ shooters.  Boston’s resilience culminated in an 118–113 overtime victory, electrifying TD Garden. The comeback not only tied the largest in franchise history but also showcased the Celtics’ mental fortitude — a key reason they went on to contend for another deep playoff run.

4. Los Angeles Clippers Storm Back from 35 Points vs. Golden State Warriors (April 15, 2019 – NBA Playoffs)

Playoff comebacks carry extra weight, and none was more shocking than the Los Angeles Clippers’ 31-point rally (sometimes rounded to 35 during the swing) against the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 Western Conference First Round.  Golden State — led by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson — was heavily favored and up 94–63 midway through the third quarter of Game 2. The defending champions looked untouchable. But the Clippers, embodying their “no stars, all grit” identity, refused to quit. Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell led the charge, combining for 61 points off the bench. Rookie guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit clutch shots, and Patrick Beverley’s defense frustrated Durant. The Clippers exploded for 85 points in the second half, stunning the Warriors 135–131 on the road.  Though Golden State eventually won the series, this comeback symbolized the Clippers’ toughness and helped lay the foundation for their future Kawhi Leonard–Paul George era. It remains the largest comeback in NBA playoff history.

5. Dallas Mavericks’ 30-Point Comeback vs. Toronto Raptors (December 30, 2019)

The Dallas Mavericks produced another unforgettable rally in December 2019 when they overcame a 30-point deficit against the defending champion Toronto Raptors. Without Luka Dončić, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, Dallas looked doomed early, trailing 85–55 late in the third quarter.  Enter Jalen Brunson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dwight Powell, who spearheaded an astonishing fourth-quarter surge. The Mavericks unleashed a 47–14 run, moving the ball crisply and locking down defensively. Toronto, led by Kyle Lowry, suddenly went ice-cold.  Dallas completed the comeback with a 110–102 victory, marking the second-largest road comeback in league history. It was a defining win for the young Mavs — and an early sign of their deep bench and team-oriented play under coach Rick Carlisle.

Final Thoughts

NBA comebacks define what makes basketball thrilling to watch.  Momentum can shift in an instant, and no lead is truly safe on the court.  While these comebacks are rare, no matter how big the deficit, games are never over until the final whistle.