From Haliburton’s Buzzer-Beater in the 2025 Finals to the Clippers’ 31-Point Shock in 2019, These Are the Wildest Comebacks in Recent Playoff History
When Everyone Thought It Was Over… And Then This Happened
There’s something electric about a comeback. One moment, the game feels done. The crowd’s checked out, social media is roasting the losing team, and even the coach looks like he’s already thinking about postgame interviews. And then, suddenly, everything flips.
Over the last 10 years, we’ve witnessed some jaw-dropping, heart-stopping playoff comebacks—moments that remind us why we keep watching until the final buzzer. And just when you thought you’d seen it all, the 2025 NBA Finals delivered a new instant classic.
Let’s count down some of the greatest playoff comebacks of the last decade, starting with the freshest one that had the whole world screaming.
1. Tyrese Haliburton’s 15-Point Miracle – 2025 NBA Finals, Game 1
The Indiana Pacers weren’t just underdogs heading into the Finals against OKC—they were borderline overlooked. So when the Thunder led by 15 points with under 8 minutes to go in Game 1, it felt like business as usual.
But Tyrese Haliburton had other plans.
With less than a second on the clock, Haliburton pulled up and drilled a 21-footer to cap off a ridiculous 15-point comeback. The Pacers won 111–110, and the internet nearly exploded. It wasn’t just the shot—it was the timing, the stakes, the ice in his veins.
Even better? This wasn’t a one-off. Haliburton had been torching teams all playoffs with clutch buckets. But doing it on the Finals stage? Unreal.
2. Clippers Shock the Warriors – 2019 Playoffs, First Round
Back in 2019, the Golden State Warriors were the big bad wolves. Steph, Klay, KD—pure destruction. So when the Warriors went up 31 points on the LA Clippers in Game 2, everyone assumed it was over.
Except… the Clippers didn’t.
Behind Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, LA clawed their way back and stunned Golden State 135–131. It became the largest comeback in NBA playoff history. Twitter melted. Even Steve Kerr looked like he couldn’t believe what just happened.
You don’t erase 31 points against THAT team. Unless you’re built different.
3. Timberwolves Overcome Denver – 2024 First Round, Game 7
Game 7s are where legends are made—or broken. And in 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves went into Denver and pulled off something nobody expected.
Down by 20 in the third quarter, Anthony Edwards lit up the Nuggets with fearless drives and deep jumpers. He dropped 32 points as the Wolves roared back to win 98–90.
The win not only shocked Denver—it sent Minnesota to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in two decades.
4. Thunder Nearly Pull Off 29-Point Comeback – 2025 First Round
Okay, so technically this one didn’t end in a win—but it was still bonkers.
The OKC Thunder were down by 29 points late in the third during a first-round matchup and nearly stormed all the way back. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams caught fire, bringing the lead to within 2 points in the final minute.
Even though they fell just short, the comeback attempt had everyone on edge. The lesson? Don’t ever turn off a playoff game. You might miss something historic.
5. The Minneapolis Miracle – 2018 NFL Playoffs (Bonus)
Yes, it’s football—but it’s too iconic not to include. The Minnesota Vikings, down in the final seconds against the Saints, needed a miracle.
They got one.
Case Keenum launched a sideline pass to Stefon Diggs, who caught it, kept his balance, and ran in for a game-winning touchdown as time expired.
It wasn’t NBA, but the energy? Same vibe. Pure chaos. You could feel hearts breaking and exploding all over the country.
Why These Games Matter
Playoff comebacks hit different. It’s not just about the score—it’s about hope. About believing something wild could still happen, even when the odds scream no.
These games remind us that heart can’t be measured in stats. That momentum can shift with a single steal, a lucky bounce, a bad timeout. And that sometimes, one shot can turn a season—or a legacy—completely around.
Haliburton’s shot is the newest name on this list, but something tells us it won’t be the last. Because if the last 10 years taught us anything, it’s this:
Never. Count. Them. Out.