The Dallas Mavericks There was a risk of being swept away Boston Celtics Friday enters Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals. With his back against the wall, the Mavericks delivered one of the biggest upsets in Finals history.
The Mavericks blew a 48-point lead in a 122-84 win over the Celtics at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The 38-point margin marked the third-largest margin of victory in Finals history.
As the Mavericks become the first team in history to come back from a 3-0 deficit, many NBA fans may wonder about another accomplishment they don’t want attached to their name: What is the greatest NBA Finals? What are the fewest points scored in the NBA Finals? We’ve got you covered.
NBA Finals Game 4: Celtics vs. Mavericks recap, highlights
What is the biggest loss in NBA Finals history?
The biggest loss in NBA Finals history belongs to the Utah Jazz. Here are the six* biggest defeats in the finals:
1. 1998 Finals, Game 3: Chicago Bulls 96, Utah Jazz 54
Margin of victory: 42 points
Karl Malone was the only Jazz player in double figures, posting 22 points and three rebounds. Shandon Anderson scored 8 points for the next highest scorer for Utah. The Jazz scored nine fourth-quarter points, the second-fewest points scored in a fourth quarter in Finals history. Meanwhile, Bulls superstar Michael Jordan added 24 points and Tony Kukok added 16 points.
2. 2008 Finals, Game 6: Boston Celtics 131, Los Angeles Lakers 92
Margin of victory: 39 points
Boston starters Kevin Garnett (26), Rajon Rondo (21) and Ray Allen (26) combined for 73 points to take the series. The Celtics outscored the Lakers 34-15 in the second quarter and despite superstar Kobe Bryant’s 22 points, the Lakers couldn’t recover. The Lakers’ 38 turnovers didn’t help and led to 32 Boston points.
3. 2024 Finals, Game 4: Dallas Mavericks 122, Boston Celtics 84
Margin of victory: 38 points
Dallas used a 40-14 run in the first and second quarters to take a 50-25 lead. It led 61-35 at halftime, then extended its advantage to 88-52 with 3:18 left in the third quarter. Mavs star Luka Doncic bounced back from a lackluster Game 3, scoring 29 points (25 in the first half), dishing out five assists, collecting five rebounds and recording three steals. Kyrie Irving added 21 points and six assists.
4. 2013 Finals, Game 3: San Antonio Spurs 113, Miami Heat 77
Margin of victory: 36 points
Everything went deep for Spurs in this one. They hit 50% of their 3-pointers (16-of-32) with seven from Danny Green and six from Gary Neal off the bench. The Spurs outscored the Heat 63-33 in the second half, turning a six-point lead into a laugher at halftime.
5. 1978 Finals, Game 6: Washington Bullets 117, Seattle SuperSonics 82
Margin of victory: 35 points
Seven Bullets scored in double figures with 21 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks from Elvin Hayes and 19 points apiece from Bob Dandridge and Mitch Kubczak. Washington outscored Seattle 70-47 in the second half.
D-6. 1985 Finals, Game 1: Boston Celtics 148, Los Angeles Lakers 114
Margin of victory: 34 points
In the so-called Memorial Day Massacre, the Celtics chased down the Lakers. Kevin McHale scored 26 points, all five Celtic starters scored in double figures (Larry Bird 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds, three steals), and Scott Wedman scored 26 points. 148 points is the most in a finals game.
D-6. 1961 Finals, Game 1: Boston Celtics 129, St. Louis Hawks 95
Margin of victory: 34 points
Tom Heinsohn had 26 points and 11 rebounds, Bill Russell had 15 points and 31 rebounds. It was the Celtics’ third of eight consecutive championships.
What are the fewest points scored in the NBA Finals?
- June 7, 1998: Jazz 54, Bulls 98
- June 18, 1999: Knicks 67, Spurs 80
- June 15, 2010: Celtics 67, Lakers 89
- June 10, 2004: Lakers 68, Pistons 88
