Photo author: Markus Spiske
The allure of professional basketball is its unpredictable nature. There is always the possibility of an upset, no matter how strong a team appears to be. These victories for the underdog are what make the game so exciting to watch.
From buzzer-beaters to comebacks, the history of professional basketball is littered with memorable upsets that have left fans speechless. In this article, we will look at the top five upsets in professional basketball history, as well as the stories behind these spectacular occurrences and the impact they had on the sport and online betting.
2007 NBA Playoffs: Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Golden State Warriors pulled off one of the biggest upsets in professional basketball history during the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The Warriors, the Western Conference’s eighth seed, faced the first-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round. Despite being huge underdogs, the Warriors pulled off the upset, winning the series 4-2. The Warriors’ victory was especially sweet because they hadn’t made the playoffs in 13 years.
1994 NBA Finals: Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks
The 1994 NBA Finals saw the Houston Rockets pull off one of the biggest upsets in the history of professional basketball. The Rockets, the Western Conference’s sixth seed, played the first-seeded New York Knicks in the Finals. Despite being huge underdogs, the Rockets won the series 4-3, and Hakeem Olajuwon was awarded Finals MVP. The victory was especially sweet for the Rockets, who had never previously won an NBA title.
2011 NBA Finals: Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off one of the biggest upsets in professional basketball history in the 2011 NBA Finals. The Mavericks, who were the third seed in the Western Conference, met the Miami Heat, who were the second seed. Despite being underdogs, the Mavericks won the series 4-2 and Dirk Nowitzki was awarded Finals MVP. The triumph was especially sweet for the Mavericks, who had fallen in the Finals to the Heat in 2006.
1975 NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Bullets
The Golden State Warriors pulled off one of the biggest upsets in professional basketball history in the 1975 NBA Finals. In the Western Conference Finals, the Warriors, who were the third seed, faced the first seeded Washington Bullets. Despite being underdogs, the Warriors won the series 4-0, and Rick Barry was awarded Finals MVP. The victory was especially sweet for the Warriors, who hadn’t won an NBA title since 1956.
2019 NBA Playoffs: Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors
The Toronto Raptors pulled off one of the biggest upsets in professional basketball history during the 2019 NBA Playoffs. In the Finals, the Raptors, who were the second seed in the Eastern Conference, met the first seeded Golden State Warriors. Despite being underdogs, the Raptors won the series 4-2 and Kawhi Leonard was awarded Finals MVP. The victory was especially sweet for the Raptors, who had never previously won an NBA title.
Professional basketball is a sport full of unexpected events, and it is these upsets that keep the game intriguing. The top five upsets in professional basketball history described in this article are only a few examples of the extraordinary events that have occurred on the floor. These contests serve as a reminder that anything can happen in basketball and that the underdog can always win.
