NBA Playoff Miracles: Teams That Won After Losing the First Two Home Games

Introduction

NBA Playoff Miracles of the NBA playoffs, where every possession counts and momentum can shift with a single shot, home-court advantage is a prized asset. Teams fight tooth and nail during the regular season to secure it, knowing that playing in front of their home crowd can make all the difference. But what happens when a team not only fails to capitalize on that advantage but actually loses the first two games at home? It’s a scenario that seems almost insurmountable—a deficit so large that it’s often considered a series-ending blow. Some fans and analysts refer to this rare feat as the “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” challenge, a nod to its extreme rarity, much like a perfect record that seems unattainable.

Yet, in the storied history of the NBA, five teams have defied the odds and turned this nightmare start into a triumphant comeback. These teams have etched their names into basketball folklore by winning their series after dropping the first two games on their own floor. Out of the numerous times teams have found themselves in this position, only five have managed to turn the tables and win the series, making it a record that’s practically “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” in favor of the teams that take the first two games. Let’s explore these extraordinary comebacks, each a testament to resilience, skill, and sometimes, a bit of luck.

The 1969 Los Angeles Lakers: Pioneers of the Comeback

NBA Playoff Miracles remarkable feat was the 1969 Los Angeles Lakers, facing the San Francisco Warriors in the Western Division Semifinals. Led by the dynamic duo of Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain, both future Hall of Famers, the Lakers found themselves in a deep hole after losing the first two games at home. The Warriors, led by Rudy LaRusso and Jeff Mullins, capitalized on the Lakers’ early struggles. However, Jerry West, known as “Mr. Clutch,” refused to let the series slip away. In Game 3, he erupted for 36 points, sparking a 115-98 victory. West continued his scoring barrage with 29 points in Game 4, another 29 in Game 5, and a staggering 40 in a 40-point demolition in Game 6. Chamberlain dominated the boards, providing a strong defensive presence. The Lakers won four straight games to take the series, becoming the first team ever to overcome the “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” deficit. This comeback set the stage for West’s legendary performance in the NBA Finals, where he was named Finals MVP despite the Lakers’ loss to the Boston Celtics. Source

The 1994 Houston Rockets: Olajuwon’s Masterclass

In 1994, the Houston Rockets, spearheaded by Hakeem Olajuwon, faced a similar challenge against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. After dropping Games 1 and 2 at home, the Rockets seemed on the brink of elimination, with Charles Barkley’s Suns smelling blood. However, Olajuwon, who won both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards that season, had other plans. In Game 3, Vernon Maxwell ignited the offense with 34 points, giving Houston a crucial road win. Olajuwon followed with a near triple-double in Game 4, posting 28 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 blocks. The series went back and forth, with the Suns winning Game 6 in Phoenix, 103-89. In Game 7, Olajuwon delivered a masterpiece: 37 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Rockets to a 104-94 victory. This comeback against the “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” odds was a stepping stone for the Rockets, who went on to win their first NBA championship that year, with Olajuwon being named Finals MVP. Source

The 2005 Dallas Mavericks: Dirk and Terry’s Heroics

The 2005 Dallas Mavericks faced a daunting task against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. After losing Game 1 at home, the Mavericks suffered a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss in Game 2, putting them in a 0-2 hole. Dirk Nowitzki, despite dealing with a sprained knee, and Jason Terry refused to let their season end there. Nowitzki led with consistent scoring, while Terry provided crucial support off the bench, including a 32-point performance in Game 4. The Mavericks won Game 4 and narrowly took Game 5 before losing Game 6 in Houston. In Game 7, they unleashed a dominant performance, winning 116-76 to complete the comeback against the “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” challenge. This series marked Nowitzki’s first deep playoff run, setting the stage for his championship win in 2011. The Mavericks’ ability to regroup and dominate in Game 7 showcased their resilience and depth. Source

The 2017 Boston Celtics: Thomas’s Emotional Leadership

The 2017 Boston Celtics, led by Isaiah Thomas, faced the Chicago Bulls in the first round. Thomas was dealing with immense personal tragedy after the death of his sister during the playoffs, adding an emotional layer to their challenge. After losing the first two games at home, the Celtics seemed outmatched, especially with the Bulls’ Rajon Rondo playing at a high level before an injury in Game 2. Thomas, however, delivered one of the most inspiring performances in playoff history. In Game 3, he scored 33 points, igniting a four-game winning streak that saw the Celtics advance. Contributions from Al Horford and Avery Bradley complemented Thomas’s leadership. This comeback against the “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” odds not only showcased Thomas’s skill but also his heart, making it one of the most memorable in recent memory. Source

The 2021 Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi’s Clutch Performances

The most recent example of this rare feat came in 2021 when the Los Angeles Clippers faced the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. With Kawhi Leonard leading the charge and Paul George sidelined for most of the series due to injury, the Clippers dropped the first two games at home. Leonard’s clutch performances turned the tide. He scored 36 points in Game 3, followed by a 45-point explosion in Game 6 and 28 points in Game 7. The Clippers won four of the next five games to take the series in seven games, overcoming the “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” challenge. This comeback was particularly impressive given the absence of George, highlighting Leonard’s ability to carry his team in critical moments. It also marked the Clippers’ first conference finals appearance since 2006. Source

Analysis: What Makes These Comebacks Possible?

NBA Playoff Miracles possible? Several factors stand out. First, having a superstar who can take over games is crucial. In each of these series, a player stepped up with exceptional performances—Jerry West, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dirk Nowitzki, Isaiah Thomas, and Kawhi Leonard all had defining moments that turned the tide. Second, team resilience and belief are paramount. These teams didn’t panic after losing the first two games; instead, they rallied together, made necessary adjustments, and fought back with determination. Third, strategic coaching adjustments played a role, such as exploiting mismatches or tightening defense. For example, the 1994 Rockets adjusted to counter Charles Barkley’s dominance, while the 2017 Celtics capitalized on Rondo’s injury.

In the broader context of NBA history, these comebacks are statistical anomalies. Out of 463 instances where a team lost the first two games of a playoff series, only 34 have managed to win, a success rate of just 7.3%. When those two losses are at home, the challenge is even greater, with only five teams ever overcoming the “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” deficit. No team has ever come back from losing the first three games, let alone the first two at home, making these victories even more remarkable. These comebacks also share similarities with other famous NBA turnarounds, such as the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers’ 3-1 comeback in the Finals, which included overcoming an initial 0-2 deficit.

Year	Team	Opponent	Key Players	Series Outcome	Notable Performance
1969	Los Angeles Lakers	San Francisco Warriors	Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain	Won 4-2	West: 40 points in Game 6
1994	Houston Rockets	Phoenix Suns	Hakeem Olajuwon, Vernon Maxwell	Won 4-3	Olajuwon: 37 points, 17 rebounds in Game 7
2005	Dallas Mavericks	Houston Rockets	Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry	Won 4-3	Terry: 32 points in Game 4
2017	Boston Celtics	Chicago Bulls	Isaiah Thomas, Al Horford	Won 4-2	Thomas: 33 points in Game 3
2021	Los Angeles Clippers	Dallas Mavericks	Kawhi Leonard	Won 4-3	Leonard: 45 points in Game 6

Conclusion: The “79-0” Myth and the Spirit of Comebacks

NBA Playoff Miracles are more than just statistical anomalies; they are stories of human triumph over adversity. The “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” label, while not literally accurate, captures the essence of this feat’s rarity and difficulty. Each team faced unique challenges, from injuries to emotional hardships, yet found a way to prevail. These moments remind us that in sports, as in life, comebacks are possible when you least expect them. As the NBA continues to evolve, with new stars emerging and the game becoming more competitive, we can only hope to witness more such miracles in the future. Until then, these five teams will forever be celebrated for their ability to turn a “79-0 nba playoffs losing first two games at home” start into a championship-worthy finish.

FAQs

1. Has any team come back from 0-2 down to win the NBA Finals?

Yes, several teams have achieved this feat. Notably, the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers came back from a 3-1 deficit, which included being down 0-2, to win the championship against the Golden State Warriors. Other teams that have come back from 0-2 in the Finals include the 1969 Boston Celtics, 1977 Portland Trail Blazers, 1988 Detroit Pistons, 2006 Miami Heat, and 2021 Milwaukee Bucks. Source

2. What is the biggest comeback in NBA playoff history?

The largest comeback in a single NBA playoff game is 31 points, achieved by the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets in 1997. For series comebacks, the most famous is the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the Finals. In terms of coming back from losing the first two games at home, the five teams mentioned in this article hold that distinction. Source

3. How do teams typically perform after losing the first two games at home in the NBA playoffs?

Historically, it’s extremely difficult for teams to recover from such a deficit. Only five teams have ever won their series after losing the first two games at home, out of hundreds of opportunities. The odds are heavily stacked against them, making these comebacks all the more remarkable. Source