10 most shocking upsets in NBA history

In sports, upsets bring out the best in the underdog by shattering assumptions and generating a sense of excitement along with unpredictability. They motivate players and spectators alike by showing that with hard work and determination, everything is achievable on the playing field or court. These occurrences enliven the sporting narrative and fascinate spectators globally.  

The NBA is often coined as one of the competitive leagues in the sport and has over the years provided several mouthwatering contests. However, there have been instances where the underdogs have shined in the history of the tournament.

Here are the ten shocking upsets in NBA history:

10. Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks, 2020

In 2020, the Miami Heat shocked basketball fans everywhere by advancing to the NBA Finals. Along the way, they swept a five-game series against the Milwaukee Bucks, dominating every aspect of the game. It was obvious that the Milwaukee Bucks would win the series because of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the league's most valuable player and defensive MVP. 

Having played 12 games more than the Heat, they ended the regular calendar year with the league's finest record. Due to their strict strategy and impenetrable defence, Miami cruised to comfortable victories in three of their encounters against the Bucks, limiting them to under 105 points each time.

9. Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers, 1989

The rugged play of the Cavaliers was an obstacle that Michael Jordan's Bulls had to overcome before they became clear postseason favourites. The Bulls beat all odds in the playoffs, even though they lost every regular season game. Michael Jordan's meteoric rise to NBA superstardom was capped off by a series-winning buzzer-beater in game 5, which he accomplished while averaging 39.8 points per game.

8. Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers, 1981

Unexpected results were typical in the NBA playoffs before the present 16-team structure. When the Houston Rockets upset the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in 1981, it sent shockwaves across the basketball world. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, two Lakers who would go on to become Hall of Famers, helped propel the team to the title. But Moses Malone's Rockets prevailed in a three-game series, 2-1, to eliminate them. The surprise postseason berth for Houston came as a surprise, considering their modest 40-42 record throughout the regular season.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors, 2018

When LeBron James left the Eastern Conference in 2018, it was a relief for the Toronto Raptors. The 2017–18 season concluded with the Cavaliers in fourth place, nine games behind the Raptors in first, with a record of 59–23 for the Raptors in the East. The Raptors lost a tight series against the Indiana Pacers and advanced to the semifinals, where they met the Cavaliers. They did not have Kyrie Irving to spearhead their offence like the 2016 Cavaliers did. 

Their reliance on perimeter shooters as well as LeBron James was far too much for the Raptors to manage. The Cavaliers dominated, with LeBron scoring 34 points per game in four meetings. The shooting by the Cavaliers, particularly from Kevin Love and Kyle Korver, was second to none. After losing the series, the Raptors made several roster moves, one of which was to acquire Kawhi Leonard, who would go on to win an NBA title with the team. The Cavaliers, in the meantime, lost the 2018 Finals to a sweep.

6. Denver Nuggets vs Seattle Supersonics, 1994

The 1994 edition of the NBA playoffs first round included one of the most shocking upsets in the league's history. It appeared improbable that the 9.3%-favored Denver Nuggets could topple the league-leading Seattle Supersonics, who had amassed 63 victories throughout the regular season. The Nuggets, though, beat all odds and won the series 3-2. 

Even though they were 21 games below the Supersonics at the end of the regular-season schedule, the Nuggets still managed to lose both games in the playoffs by double digits. But after the first few games, they showed off their outstanding defensive skills by limiting one each of the league's top offences to under 100 points in every single game. In games 4 and 5, the Nuggets won in overtime to seal the series.

5. Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers, 2004

In the 2004 NBA Finals, the underdog Detroit Pistons defeated the mighty Los Angeles Lakers, who included superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. The Pistons, reviving their 'Bad Boy' defensive approach from the '80s and '90s, shut down the Lakers in each contest, limiting them to scoring under 100 points and just over 90 points in four of those games. The Pistons swept the series 4-1 thanks to potential Hall of Famers Ben Wallace, and Chauncey Billups, who played point guard, and Tayshaun Prince, who was known for his defensive skills. The 'Five-game sweep' was the moniker given to their resounding triumph.

4. LA Lakers vs Seattle Supersonics, 1995

The 1995 Lakers, who had an 8 per cent chance of winning the four-game series, humiliated the Seattle Supersonics, who are back on our list. Nick Van Exel scored for the Lakers, who stunned the Sonics after they had already established their supremacy in the first game. The Lakers went on to win three more games. 

The Sonics were so dominant throughout the regular season that they were seeded fourth in the playoffs, even though they won 57 games. As the series began, the Lakers were considered underdogs due to their lower win total and lack of experience. But in two of those games, they were successful in limiting a typically explosive offence to fewer than 100 points. During the last two matches of the series, they managed to score four points more than the Sonics.

3. Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic, 2011

The Orlando Magic had an unexpected obstacle in the 2011 first round of the playoffs, although ending eight matches ahead of the Atlanta Hawks. The Magic lost on the road to the Hawks, who won by relying on their depth, despite having NBA superstar Dwight Howard, who scored 46 points and collected 19 rebounds in the first game. 

Not only did the Magic suffer a different disappointing loss after their earlier shock of the Boston Celtics, but they have failed to win a playoff series since then. Along with Howard, the supporting cast had a tough time scoring, as they shot only 26% from above the arc during the series. With three key victories at home, the Hawks came out on top, 4-2.

2. New Jersey Nets vs Philadelphia 76ers, 1984

The 1984 New Jersey Nets shocked everyone by winning the first round of the playoffs, despite going seven seasons irrespective of a series victory. They won a thrilling five-game series against the defending champion Philadelphia 76ers. 

The Sixers, although having NBA greats like Julius Erving along with Moses Malone on their roster, were no match for Darryl Dawkins, who led the Nets to a historical series victory.

1. Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks, 2007

The Golden State Warriors had postseason struggles before Steph Curry and company established a dynasty. They trailed the defending champion Dallas Mavericks by 25 games in 2007 and ended up as the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The Mavericks had just returned from an NBA Finals trip the year before. Despite having Dirk Nowitzki at the helm, the Warriors' relentless defence ultimately proved too much for Dallas. 

On the wings, they guarded the German with toughness, and Baron Davis played point guard. With the help of the home fans, the Warriors were able to sweep the series in San Francisco and steal the first game away from their opponents, despite Davis scoring 33 points. The Dallas Mavericks became the first NBA team to win 65+ games during the regular season without winning a championship after losing the series 4-2. This streak dates back to the 1972–73 Boston Celtics.