In the long and storied history of the NBA, few comebacks are remembered as vividly as the one pulled off by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Down 3-1 in the NBA Finals against a 73-win Golden State Warriors team, the Cavaliers mounted a historic rally — the only time in franchise history they’ve ever overcome a 3-1 deficit.
The situation seemed almost hopeless at the time. The Warriors, led by back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry, were one win away from capping off the greatest regular season in league history with a championship. Cleveland, meanwhile, was battling the weight of a 52-year championship drought across all professional sports. But behind the transcendent performances of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, the Cavaliers refused to back down.
Game 5 at Oracle Arena was the turning point. With Draymond Green suspended for an accumulation of flagrant foul points, the Cavaliers seized the opportunity. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving both scored 41 points, becoming the first teammates in Finals history to each surpass 40 points in the same game. Their effort silenced the crowd and sent a clear message: the series wasn’t over yet.
Back in Cleveland for Game 6, LeBron delivered another masterpiece. He put up 41 points once again, along with 11 assists and 8 rebounds. The Cavaliers crushed the Warriors, forcing a decisive Game 7 in Oakland. By now, momentum had completely shifted.
Game 7 would become one of the most iconic games in NBA history. It was a back-and-forth battle filled with tension, heart, and unforgettable moments. With less than two minutes remaining and the score tied, Andre Iguodala seemed destined to score a go-ahead layup — until LeBron James made “The Block,” a legendary chase-down swat that changed everything. Moments later, Kyrie Irving nailed a cold-blooded three-pointer over Curry, giving the Cavaliers a lead they would never relinquish.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Cavaliers were NBA champions for the first time ever. LeBron James, who delivered on his promise to bring a title to his home state, famously said, “Cleveland, this is for you!” Tears flowed, celebrations erupted, and the 3-1 comeback became a symbol of resilience, belief, and greatness.
Since then, no Cleveland team — in any playoff series — has replicated that kind of comeback. It remains a singular, shining moment in franchise history, one that fans cherish to this day.
The 2016 Finals comeback is often regarded as the greatest in NBA history, not just because of the 3-1 deficit, but because of the opponent: the Warriors were historically dominant, seemingly invincible. Overcoming those odds made the Cavaliers’ triumph all the more legendary.
Now, whenever Cleveland finds itself down 3-1 — as they are in the 2025 playoffs — fans can’t help but think back to 2016. It reminds them that while the odds are steep, it’s never truly over until the final buzzer sounds. History has shown: if any team knows how to fight back from the brink, it’s the Cleveland Cavaliers.
