The 1968 Boston Celtics became the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the playoffs, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Division Finals.
However, the only team to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals was the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers. After falling behind 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors in a historic 73-9 season, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers to three straight wins and brought Cleveland its first NBA championship. Unfortunately, the other 37 teams that fell behind 3-1 in the NBA Finals all suffered defeats.
If the young Spurs want to keep their season alive and bring San Antonio its sixth title, they’ll have to find some magic that LeBron and the Cavs captured in 2016. Otherwise, it’s time to start planning for 2026-27.