5 largest comebacks in NBA Playoffs history

Cleveland Cavaliers v Indiana Pacers - Game Three
Paul George and LeBron James

#3 Boston Celtics 94-90 New Jersey Nets: 26 Points, 2002

Boston Celtics v New Jersey Nets
Boston Celtics v New Jersey Nets

After stealing home court from the Nets in Game 2, Boston looked to consolidate their grip on the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals but it sure didn't start the way they hoped. Boston trailed by 26 at one point and were down 21 points heading into the 4th quarter.

No team had ever overcome a 20+ points deficit in the 4th quarter and the Celtics seemed headed in the same direction with Paul Pierce missing 12 of his first 14 shots, but then something clicked.

Pierce scored 19 in the 4th quarter, leading a 41 point explosion from Boston, as the Celtics stole Game 3 in remarkable fashion. Their defense was on point too, limiting the Nets to just 4/22 shooting, to go along with 6 turnovers in the quarter. Just like the Thunder, however, it was ultimately in vain as the Nets won the next 3 games to advance to the NBA Finals.

The 26-point comeback is the joint third-biggest comeback in NBA Playoffs history.

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