From Flu Game to Haliburton: The greatest playoff comebacks in NBA history

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From Flu Game to Haliburton: The greatest playoff comebacks in NBA history image

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Comebacks continue to define this year’s playoffs. Just recently, the Minnesota Timberwolves stunned the Denver Nuggets with a 119-114 Game 2 win, erasing a 19-point deficit behind a dominant performance from Anthony Edwards, who dropped 30 points and 10 assists to even the series.

In another thriller, the Atlanta Hawks rallied from 12 down in the fourth to steal a road win over the New York Knicks, powered by clutch plays from CJ McCollum and Jalen Johnson.

Moments like these are what makes the NBA unforgettable. Here are Alta Sports’ five greatest playoff comebacks in league history:

1997 NBA Finals Game 5 — “Flu Game” Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz

Battling severe illness, Michael Jordan delivered one of the most iconic performances ever. Down as many as 16, Jordan dropped 38 points, including 15 in the fourth, to lead Chicago to a 90-88 win. His collapse into Scottie Pippen’s arms remains an all-time image in sports.

1995 East Semifinals Game 1 — “Miller Time” Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks

With 18 seconds left and down six, Reggie Miller scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds—two threes, a steal, and clutch free throws—to shock New York in a 107-105 stunner.

2016 West Finals Game 6 — Klay’s Explosion Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Facing elimination, Klay Thompson caught fire, draining 11 threes and scoring 41 points. Alongside Stephen Curry, the Warriors closed on a 19-5 run to win 108-101—flipping the series and completing a historic comeback.

2011 NBA Finals Game 2 — Dirk Delivers Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat

Down 15 in the fourth, Dirk Nowitzki led a furious 22-5 run, finishing it with a clutch layup with 3.6 seconds left to even the series and shift momentum toward Dallas’ eventual title.

2025 NBA Finals Game 1 — Haliburton’s Heroics Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Down 15 in the fourth, Tyrese Haliburton led a stunning late rally, capping a 9-0 run in the final minute with a cold-blooded jumper with 0.3 seconds left to steal a 111-110 win on the road.

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