2023 Playoffs: East Final | Celtics (2) vs. Heat (8)

15 NBA teams that have come closest to overcoming a 3-0 series deficit

Boston looks to make NBA history as the first team to win a best-of-seven series after falling 3-0.

Will Jayson Tatum power the Celtics to win the East Finals after losing their first three games?

Below is a list of the 15 NBA teams that forced at least a Game 6 in a best-of-seven NBA playoff series after dropping the first three games:


  • 1947 BAA Semifinals: Washington Capitols trailed Chicago Stags 3-0, lost in six.
  • 1949 BAA Finals: Washington Capitols trailed Minneapolis 3-0, lost in six.
  • 1951 NBA Finals: New York trailed Rochester Royals 3-0, lost in seven.
  • 1962 Western Division finals: Detroit trailed L.A. Lakers 3-0, lost in six.
  • 1994 Western Conference semifinals: Denver trailed Utah 3-0, lost in seven.
  • 1996 NBA Finals: Seattle trailed Chicago 3-0, lost in six.
  • 2000 Eastern Conference semifinals: Philadelphia trailed Indiana 3-0, lost in six.
  • 2003 Western Conference first round: Portland trailed Dallas 3-0, lost in seven.
  • 2007 Eastern Conference semifinals: Chicago trailed Detroit 3-0, lost in six.
  • 2010 Eastern Conference finals: Orlando trailed Boston 3-0, lost in six.
  • 2013 Eastern Conference first round: Boston trailed New York 3-0, lost in six.
  • 2013 Western Conference first round: Houston trailed Oklahoma City 3-0, lost in six.
  • 2015 Eastern Conference first round: Milwaukee trailed Chicago 3-0, lost in six.
  • 2022 Eastern Conference first round: Toronto trailed Philadelphia 3-0, lost in six.
  • 2023 Eastern Conference Finals: Boston trailed Miami 3-0, forced Game 7 on Monday.

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