Only 1 Team in the Modern Era Has Rallied From an 0-2 NBA Finals Deficit
By Jason McIntyre
Putting aside the fact that the Warriors 2-game margin of victory in the first two games of the NBA Finals was the largest ever, and Kevin Love’s concussion may keep him out of Game 3, this is how large a mountain Cleveland has to scale if it wants to rally to win the NBA Title: Only one team in the modern era* has rallied from an 0-2 deficit to win the Championship.
The 2006 Miami Heat.
And that series has forever been tinged with controversy because of some questionable foul calls, an epic comeback from the Heat, and the heroics of Dwyane Wade.
Yes, it’s that bleak, Cleveland fans.
The ’06 Mavericks led 89-76 with 6:34 left in Game 3 and choked away the lead. Wade sparked a 22-7 run with 12 points and Dallas never fully recovered, especially late in games. The Mavericks lost the next three games.
Who could forget the Game 5 controversy? Referee Bennett Salvatore called a phantom foul in the closing seconds, Wade made two foul shots and Miami won, 101-100. Fouls were an issue in the aftermath, and here’s why: In Games 3, 5 and 6 – which the Heat won by a combined seven points – Wade attempted 64 foul shots; the Mavs attempted 74. Read into that what you will.
Also, disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy had some thoughts on the series.
One could argue that the only way a team in the modern era was able to overcome an 0-2 Finals deficit was with the help of referees.
Good luck, Cleveland.
* Portland trailed Philadelphia 0-2 in the 1977 Finals, but stormed back to win the title. That was before Magic and Bird ushered in the modern era. It was also before the 3-point line was introduced to the NBA.