We are currently in the middle of a great time of year: The NBA Playoffs!
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The first round is now over, and we have had great basketball. We’ve seen Derrick Rose take charge and add icing to his amazing MVP resume, we witnessed LeBron James and Dwyane Wade take down Philly in 5 on cruise control, and we’ve seen the Lakers get it together against NOLA.
Something we also saw was the fall of the San Antonio Spurs, courtesy of the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only did this surprise some people, but it gave the city of Memphis new life and a new perspective of how people should perceive them from here on out.
While this San Antonio-Memphis series might not be considered the greatest upset of all time, it certainly is in the discussion. So that got me thinking, and I decided to bust out another one of my popular “Top” articles!
Without further ado, here are the NBA’s top four first round playoff upsets of all-time!
4. New York Knicks (27-23) over Miami Heat (33-17) in 1999
This was when the hate between the Knicks and the Heat was at its pinnacle.
In a shortened NBA season, the Knicks and Heat did not have that much to separate them in the standings as Miami was only 6 games ahead of Miami. So what else is there to say? Ask Allan Houston.
3. Memphis Grizzlies (46-36) over San Antonio Spurs (61-21) in 2011
Ah yes. This series is still fresh in our minds, and it is definitely one of the all time upsets. In fact, this series had a Warriors/Mavs from ’07 feel to it.
You had the trio of Duncan/Manu/Tony Parker up against young guns like Randolph, Mayo, Conley, Gasol and Coach Hollins. Perhaps this Grizzlies team will be remembered as the one that officially ended the Spurs run as championship contender.
2. Denver Nuggets (42-40) over Seattle Sonics (63-19) in 1994
This is the series that marked the first time an 8th seed topped a 1st seed, and it is definitely one of the most remembered series of all-time. Included in our memories of this series is Dikembe Mutumbo and his infamous “I can’t believe it” moment at the end of Game 5.
1. Golden State Warriors (42-40) over Dallas Mavericks (67-15) in 2007
This was one of the most exciting series in NBA history. The electricity that was displayed every night when the “We Believe” Warriors played at home was remarkable.
Despite the Mavericks having one of the most amazing regular seasons in history, and despite having MVP Dirk at his finest, the Mavs were stopped short of a title yet again due to the coaching ability of Donnie Nelson and his quick and athletic Warriors.
Thanks for reading folks!
