The Biggest Upsets in NBA Finals: From 2004 Pistons to 2016 Cavaliers

Over the decades, the NBA Finals have seen numerous surprising upsets and thrilling moments. Here are some of the most remarkable underdog victories in the history of the NBA.

70 Knicks Over Lakers in 1970

The 1970 NBA Finals saw a stunning upset as the New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers. The series was a notable event despite the Lakers having all the stars - Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West - who were considered the best in the league at the time. The Knicks, however, excelled in teamwork and conquest, despite having only a handful of top-tier players.

2010-2011 Mavericks vs. Heat

The Mavericks' run from 2010-2011 was a display of pure underdog spirit and remarkable teamwork. They dethroned the Miami Heat in the finals, a team filled with stars. The key players in Mavericks' victory included Dirk Nowitzki, an elite shooter, as well as key contributions from Terry Tyler and Jose Barea. No one could have predicted the Mavericks' journey, and their victory was nothing short of a miracle.

However, their achievements were temporarily dismantled by the 2012 NBA Finals, where the Mavericks could not repeat their success, further proving the old adage that even the best can have their run at times.

Other Notable Upsets in NBA Finals History

1969 Celtics vs. Wilt/West/Baylor Superteam

One of the greatest upsets was the 1969 Boston Celtics defeating the Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, and George M. “Tex” Hogshead led team.

1975 Warriors vs. Bullets

In 1975, the Golden State Warriors, led by an all-star rookie Rick Barry and a rookie Jamaal Wilkes, shocked the Washington Bullets, known for their formidable players Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes.

2004 Pistons vs. Lakers

The 2004 Detroit Pistons, with a single all-star player Ben Wallace, overcame the dominant Los Angeles Lakers team of Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton. This victory was especially noteworthy for its dominant performance, managed to win in just 5 games, with 3 of the games being convincing blowouts.

2011 Mavericks vs. Heat

Once again, the 2011 Mavericks faced the Miami Heat led by LeBron James, Dwight Howard, and Chris Bosh. The Mavericks' resilience and teamwork sent shockwaves through the league, making them the fourth team to shock the league-defining teams in the 21st century.

2016 Cavaliers vs. Warriors

The 2016 NBA Finals saw the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Golden State Warriors, a team that had an unprecedented 73-9 regular season record. This victory is widely considered the biggest upset in NBA history, and it changed the narrative of the NBA for a while, proving that underdog stories have the power to captivate and astonish audiences.

Conclusion: The journey of underdogs to victory in the NBA Finals can be just as enthralling and phenomenal as the success of the most decorated teams. From the 1970 Knicks to the 2016 Cavaliers, these upsets remind us of the unpredictability and excitement that the NBA brings to fans around the world.