NBA

25 NBA Playoff Choke Jobs That Knocked Good Teams Out Of Contention

Darren - May 2, 2022
NBA

25 NBA Playoff Choke Jobs That Knocked Good Teams Out Of Contention

Darren - May 2, 2022

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

2. Dallas Mavericks – 2007

Dallas made the Finals in 2006 and had Dirk Nowitzki at the top of his game. He came off an MVP regular season and also sealed his status as the greatest European to step onto an NBA court. However, the Mavericks lost in a stunning upset against the Warriors.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

They won 65 regular-season games but crucially lost against Golden State in all of their meetings. Then the Warriors finished them again in first round. This was an exciting six-round series but the Warriors won 4-2. The ‘We Believe’ Warriors were a special team (via NBC Sports).

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

1. Golden State Warriors – 2016

LeBron James finally won a title with the Cavaliers in 2016 after they overcame the Warriors. This was a major upset because Golden State had a winning machine. It should have been a formality after they took a 3-1 lead. But the Cavaliers fought their way back into contention.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

The Cavs showed immense heart and grit as they ground out a spectacular victory across seven games. There were iconic moments aplenty as the franchise ended its title deficit. Meanwhile, it provided James with redemption after he abandoned the team for Miami (via Sporting News).

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