The Biggest NBA Playoff Upset In Each Season Since 2000

Every NBA season has at least one series that leads to an upset. Some major shockers include LeBron James and the Miami Heat’s 2011 Finals blunder against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks, along with the “We Believe Warriors” overcoming the odds in 2007. 

Since 1999-00, we have collected the biggest NBA playoff upset in every series until the 2022-23 campaign. 

1999-00 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Semifinals: Miami Heat (2) vs. (3) New York Knicks 3-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMpmQ8s5BcU

In the 1999-00 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat, led by Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway, faced off against the New York Knicks in a tightly contested Eastern Conference Semifinals series. Despite being the higher-seeded team, the Miami Heat fell short in a seven-game series, losing 3-4 to the New York Knicks. This upset was highlighted by the Knicks’ resilience and a memorable Game 7 victory at home, which allowed them to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

2000-01 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference First Round: (3) Miami Heat vs. (6) Charlotte Hornets 0-3

During the 2000-01 NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat, seeded third in the Eastern Conference, faced a surprising first-round exit against the sixth-seeded Charlotte Hornets. Despite having a strong regular season and being favored to advance, the Heat struggled to find their footing in the series, ultimately losing in a clean sweep, 0-3. The Hornets, led by Jamal Mashburn and Baron Davis, showcased their playoff readiness and executed their game plan to perfection, leading to a significant upset.

2001-02 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Semifinals: (2) Detroit Pistons vs. (3) Boston Celtics 1-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZLwx0MHDao

The Detroit Pistons, the second seed in the Eastern Conference, were upended by the third-seeded Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite having a successful regular season and being favored to advance, the Pistons struggled to contain the Celtics’ offensive firepower and defensive intensity. The Celtics, led by Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker, dominated the series and secured a surprising 1-4 series victory, marking a major upset and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.

2002-03 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference First Round: (4) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Boston Celtics 2-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scXJoQVsqlE

In the 2002-03 NBA Playoffs, the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers faced off against the sixth-seeded Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference First Round. Despite holding home-court advantage, the Pacers were unable to contain the Celtics’ dynamic duo of Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. Pierce managed 25.8 points per game in the series and that was the difference-maker.

2003-04 NBA Playoffs

NBA Finals: (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Detroit Pistons 1-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDn8tirIVA0

The 2003-04 NBA Finals featured arguably the most shocking upset when the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers, led by superstars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, were defeated by the second-seeded Detroit Pistons. Despite the Lakers being favored to win the championship, the Pistons’ strong team defense, led by Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups, proved to be too much for the Lakers to handle. The Pistons won the series 4-1, and that spelled the end of the Shaq-Kobe Finals era.

2004-05 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Finals: (1) Miami Heat vs. (2) Detroit Pistons 3-4

In the 2004-05 NBA Playoffs, the top-seeded Miami Heat, led by Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal, faced off against the second-seeded Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite having the best record in the conference, the Heat were unable to overcome the Pistons’ stifling defense and balanced scoring attack. Heat fans still wonder how a prime Wade and O’Neal could not overcome the Pistons who did not have a single superstar.

2005-06 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Finals: (1) Detroit Pistons vs. (2) Miami Heat 2-4

In the 2005-06 NBA Playoffs, the top-seeded Detroit Pistons faced the second-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite the Pistons’ strong regular season performance and their reputation as one of the league’s top defensive teams, they were unable to contain the duo of Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal. Despite being the favorites a year prior, the Pistons were an entirely different team and had 12 more wins than the Heat during the season. It is amazing how one season can change a side’s fortune from the prior one.

2006-07 NBA Playoffs

Western Conference First Round: (1) Dallas Mavericks vs. (8) Golden State Warriors 2-4

During the 2006-07 NBA Playoffs, the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks faced off against the eighth-seeded “We Believe” Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference First Round. Despite having the best record in the league and being heavily favored to advance, the Mavericks struggled to match the Warriors’ up-tempo style of play and three-point shooting. Led by Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson, the Warriors pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the Mavericks in six games and winning the series 4-2, marking one of the biggest upsets in NBA playoff history.

2007-08 NBA Playoffs

Western Conference First Round: (5) Houston Rockets vs. (6) Utah Jazz 2-4

The fifth-seeded Houston Rockets led by Tracy McGrady in the absence of the injured Yao Ming met the sixth-seeded Utah Jazz in the Western Conference First Round. Despite holding a higher seed, the Rockets were unable to overcome the Jazz’s balanced scoring and disciplined play. Led by Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, the Jazz managed to upset the Rockets in six games.

2008-09 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Finals: (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (3) Orlando Magic 2-4

In the 2008-09 NBA Playoffs, the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, faced the third-seeded Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite the Cavaliers’ strong regular season and the dominance of LeBron James, the Magic, powered by Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkogly, managed to pull off a significant upset and ruin a potential LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant showdown in the Finals.

2009-10 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Semifinals: (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Boston Celtics 2-4

During the 2009-10 NBA Playoffs, the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, again led by LeBron James, met the fourth-seeded Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite being the favorites to advance, the Cavaliers struggled to contain the Celtics’ veteran core of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. This upset would be the final straw for LeBron James who would take his talents to Miami a year later.

2010-11 NBA Playoffs

NBA Finals: (2) Miami Heat vs. (3) Dallas Mavericks 2-4

The second-seeded Miami Heat, featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, faced off against the third-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Despite the hype surrounding the newly-formed “Big Three” in Miami, the Mavericks, led by Dirk Nowitzki and a strong supporting cast, managed to pull off a surprising upset. This was the third straight season LeBron’s team would get usurped despite being the favorite in a series, and the biggest disaster in The King’s career.

2011-12 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference First Round: (1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers 2-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6VrRNLjKTY

In the 2011-12 NBA Playoffs, the top-seeded Chicago Bulls, led by MVP Derrick Rose, faced the eighth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference First Round. Despite having the best record in the league and high expectations, the Bulls struggled with injuries, most notably Derrick Rose’s torn ACL in the series. The 76ers, led by Jrue Holiday and Andre Iguodala, capitalized on the Bulls’ misfortune and managed to upset them in six games, winning the series 4-2.

2012-13 NBA Playoffs

Western Conference Semifinals: (5) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (1) Oklahoma City Thunder 1-4

During the 2012-13 NBA Playoffs, the fifth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies faced the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite the Thunder being favored to advance, the Grizzlies, known for their gritty defense and frontcourt duo of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, managed to pull off a surprising upset. The Grizzlies won the series 4-1, showcasing their toughness and resilience to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

2013-14 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference First Round: (4) Chicago Bulls vs. (6) Washington Wizards 1-4

The fourth-seeded Chicago Bulls, who were playing without Derrick Rose due to injury, faced the sixth-seeded Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference First Round. Despite holding home-court advantage, the Bulls struggled to generate consistent offense against the Wizards’ young backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal. Even without Rose, the Bulls should’ve taken care of business in the first round of the past few years.

2014-15 NBA Playoffs

Western Conference Semifinals: (2) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (3) Houston Rockets 3-4

In the 2014-15 NBA Playoffs, the second-seeded Los Angeles Clippers faced the third-seeded Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite holding a 3-1 series lead and being in a commanding position to advance, the Clippers suffered a collapse, allowing the Rockets to come back and win the series. Led by James Harden and Dwight Howard, the Rockets won three consecutive games to upset the Clippers in seven games, taking the series 4-3 and advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

2015-16 NBA Playoffs

NBA Finals: (1) Golden State Warriors vs. (1) Cleveland Cavaliers 3-4

The top-seeded Golden State Warriors, who had set the regular season record with 73 wins, faced the second-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. Despite being the heavy favorites to win the championship, the Warriors struggled to contain LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. The Cavaliers made a historic comeback from a 3-1 series deficit, winning three straight games to upset the Warriors in seven games, securing their first NBA championship in franchise history.

2016-17 NBA Playoffs

Western Conference First Round: (5) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (4) Utah Jazz 3-4

In the 2016-17 NBA Playoffs, the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers faced the fourth-seeded Utah Jazz in the Western Conference First Round. Despite holding a 2-1 series lead and being favored to advance, the Clippers were unable to overcome the Jazz’s balanced scoring and disciplined defense. Led by Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert, the Jazz managed to pull off the upset, winning three of the next four games to defeat the Clippers in seven games, raising doubts about LA’s ability to perform in big games.

2017-18 NBA Playoffs

Western Conference First Round: Portland Trail Blazers (3) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (6) 0-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSjim2Z8X-U

Despite holding home-court advantage, the Trail Blazers struggled to contain the Pelicans’ dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. The Pelicans, led by their stellar play and a clean sweep of the series, managed to pull off a surprising 4-0 upset, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals. This led to a summer-long criticism of superstar point guard Damian Lillard who did not perform well in the series, posting 18.5 points per game.

2018-19 NBA Playoffs

NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors (1) vs. Toronto Raptors (2) 2-4

The top-seeded Golden State Warriors faced the second-seeded Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals. Despite being the favorites to win their third consecutive championship, the Warriors faced numerous injuries throughout the series, most notably to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson. The Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard’s outstanding play and a balanced team effort, managed to upset the Warriors in six games, winning the series 4-2 and securing their first NBA championship in franchise history.

2019-20 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Semifinals: (1) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (5) Miami Heat 1-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkrgO4U_bjE

In the 2019-20 NBA Playoffs following a Covid-shortened season, the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks faced the fifth-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite having the best record in the league and being favored to advance, the Bucks struggled to contain the Heat’s balanced scoring and tenacious defense. Led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, the Heat managed to pull off the upset in five games, winning the series 4-1 and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals and they somehow made the Finals as well.

2020-21 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference Semifinals: (1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks 3-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdJyXyKYk8Q

Despite holding home-court advantage and being favored to advance thanks to the duo Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the 76ers struggled to contain the Hawks’ young star, Trae Young. The Hawks, led by Young’s exceptional performances and clutch play, managed to upset the 76ers in seven games, winning the series 4-3 and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. This was also the final straw of Ben Simmons’ stardom as a player and his stint in Philadelphia.

2021-22 NBA Playoffs

Western Conference Semifinals: (1) Phoenix Suns vs. (4) Dallas Mavericks 3-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrqshKEpPcA

During the 2021-22 NBA Playoffs, the top-seeded Phoenix Suns faced the fourth-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite having the second-best record in the league and being favored to advance, the Suns were unable to contain Luka Doncic. Despite making the NBA Finals a year prior, the Suns somehow collapsed in Game 7, losing 123-90 in a blowout.

2022-23 NBA Playoffs

Eastern Conference First Round: (1) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (8) Miami Heat 1-4

Last year, the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks faced the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference First Round. Despite having the best record in the conference and being heavily favored to advance, the Bucks struggled to match the Heat’s intensity and defensive prowess. Led by their balanced scoring and strong team defense, the Heat managed to pull off the upset in five games and went on to make the Finals. It was not a great look for the Bucks to lose this series even if Giannis Antetokounmpo only played three games in the series due to injury. 

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