In the NBA Playoffs, taking a 3-0 series lead in a best-of-seven series guarantees a victory. In the league’s extensive history, no team has emerged from a 3-0 series deficit to win the series.
For some perspective, NBA teams have a record of 154-0 when getting out to a 3-0 series lead in a best-of-seven series. Again, 154 series wins. Zero losses.
Of the 154 teams that have fallen into a 3-0 series hole, 15 have won two games to force a Game 6, and four teams have forced Game 7s by winning three consecutive games. A fourth straight win, however, has proven to be elusive.
In 2023, the 2-seed Celtics forced a Game 7 after losing the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals to the 8-seed Heat. Despite Boston’s best efforts, history proved to be on Miami’s side, as it won Game 7 to advance to the NBA Finals.
In 2024, the Nuggets, Thunder, and Timberwolves each took care of business after taking a 3-0 series leads in the opening round. Here’s how things have gone for teams that attempted to crawl out of the historically insurmountable series deficit.
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Teams to force Game 7 after facing a 3-0 deficit in NBA Playoffs
Four teams have forced Game 7 after facing a 3-0 deficit in the NBA Playoffs. Before Boston in 2023, the most recent instance came 20 years prior, when Portland forced Game 7 after dropping three games to Dallas in the first round.
| Year | Round | Series result |
| 2023 | Eastern Conference Finals | Heat defeat Celtics, 4-3 |
| 2003 | Western Conference First Round | Mavericks defeat Trail Blazers, 4-3 |
| 1994 | Western Conference Semifinals | Jazz defeat Nuggets, 4-3 |
| 1951 | NBA Finals | Royals defeat Knicks, 4-3 |
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Teams to force Game 6 after facing a 3-0 deficit in NBA Playoffs
Eleven teams have been eliminated in Game 6 after facing a 3-0 series deficit in the NBA Playoffs. The most recent example came in 2022 when the Raptors were eliminated in six games after falling into a 3-0 hole against the 76ers.
| Year | Round | Series result |
| 2022 | Eastern Conference First Round | 76ers defeat Raptors 4-2 |
| 2015 | Eastern Conference First Round | Bulls defeat Bucks, 4-2 |
| 2013 | Western Conference First Round | Thunder defeat Rockets, 4-2 |
| 2013 | Eastern Conference First Round | Knicks defeat Celtics, 4-2 |
| 2010 | Eastern Conference Finals | Celtics defeat Magic, 4-2 |
| 2007 | Eastern Conference Semifinals | Pistons defeat Bulls, 4-2 |
| 2000 | Eastern Conference Semifinals | Pacers defeat 76ers, 4-2 |
| 1996 | NBA Finals | Bulls defeat SuperSonics, 4-2 |
| 1962 | Western Division Finals | Lakers defeat Pistons, 4-2 |
| 1949 | NBA Finals | Lakers defeat Capitols, 4-2 |
| 1947 | Semifinals | Stags defeat Capitols, 4-2 |
