The NBA playoffs have always been full of surprises and upsets, with underdogs occasionally pulling off shocking victories against heavily-favored opponents. With not 1, but 2 play-in teams on the verge of winning a first round series. What better time to look back on some of the biggest playoff upsets in NBA history:
1. 1994 Denver Nuggets over Seattle SuperSonics: The eighth-seeded Nuggets became the first team in NBA history to beat a top-seeded team in a best-of-five series. They won the series in five games, including a double-overtime victory in Game 5.
2. 2007 Golden State Warriors over Dallas Mavericks: The eighth-seeded Warriors shocked the NBA world by defeating the heavily-favored Mavericks in six games. Led by Baron Davis, Golden State played an up-tempo style that overwhelmed Dallas.
3. 2011 Memphis Grizzlies over San Antonio Spurs: The eighth-seeded Grizzlies, led by Zach Randolph and Mike Conley, defeated the top-seeded Spurs in six games. It was the first time a No. 8 seed had beaten a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series.
4. 2013 Memphis Grizzlies over Los Angeles Clippers: The Grizzlies, who were the fifth seed in the Western Conference, defeated the fourth-seeded Clippers in six games. It was the first playoff series win in franchise history for Memphis.
5. 2019 Portland Trail Blazers over Oklahoma City Thunder: The Trail Blazers, led by All-Star guard Damian Lillard, defeated the third-seeded Thunder in five games. Lillard hit a 37-foot game-winning shot in Game 5 to clinch the series and eliminate Oklahoma City.
These upsets remind us that anything can happen in the NBA playoffs, and that even the best teams are vulnerable to being beaten by an underdog. They also serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the teams that were able to pull off these incredible victories.
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