Introduction
In the high-stakes world of NBA playoffs, home-court advantage is a prized asset. Teams battle through an 82-game regular season to secure a higher seed, earning more games on their home court, where familiar surroundings and roaring fans provide a significant edge.
However, losing the first two games at home in a playoff series is a daunting setback, often signaling the end of a team’s championship hopes. Remarkably, only a few teams have defied these odds, turning deficits into historic victories.
This article explores the rare instances of NBA teams overcoming the 79-0 NBA playoffs losing first two games at home scenario, focusing on the six teams that won their series, alongside notable cases like the 1979 playoffs where teams faced early home losses.
We’ll analyze the strategies, key players, and statistical rarity of these comebacks, offering insights into what makes such feats possible.
The 1979 NBA Playoffs: A Case Study in Early Home Losses
The 1979 NBA playoffs provide a fascinating context for examining teams that struggled early at home. Although no team lost the first two games at home in a best-of-seven series that year, several teams dropped their opening home game in the best-of-three first round, offering lessons in resilience and defeat.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Jersey Nets
In the 1979 Eastern Conference First Round, the Philadelphia 76ers, a strong contender with a 47-35 record, faced the New Jersey Nets. Contrary to expectations, the 76ers did not lose both opening games at home, as the series was a best-of-three.
They won Game 1 at home (122-114) at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, led by Julius Erving’s 14 rebounds. They then secured the series with a 111-101 victory in Game 2 on the road. This series highlights that even strong teams can face challenges, but the 76ers’ quick recovery prevented a deeper deficit.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets
The Atlanta Hawks, with a 46-36 record, faced the Houston Rockets in another 1979 first-round series. The Hawks lost Game 1 on the road (109-106) and Game 2 at home (100-91) at the Omni Coliseum, ending their season in a 2-0 sweep. This loss underscores the difficulty of recovering from an early home defeat in a short series, as the Hawks couldn’t capitalize on their home court in Game 2.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers, a talented team with a 47-35 record, faced the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference First Round. They lost Game 1 at home (119-105) at The Forum, putting them in a precarious position.
The Nuggets sealed the series with a 121-109 win in Game 2 in Denver. This series illustrates how losing the first home game in a best-of-three can lead to a swift exit, as the Lakers had no further home games to recover.
The Elite Six: Teams That Overcame 0-2 Home Deficits
Only six NBA teams have ever won a best-of-seven playoff series after losing the first two games at home. These remarkable comebacks highlight the resilience and strategic adjustments needed to overcome such a deficit. Below, we explore each instance, emphasizing their significance in the context of the 79-0 NBA playoffs losing first two games at home narrative.
1969 Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Francisco Warriors
The 1969 Los Angeles Lakers were the first to achieve this rare feat in the Western Division Semifinals against the San Francisco Warriors. Despite dropping Games 1 and 2 at The Forum, the Lakers, led by Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, rallied back.
Chamberlain averaged 25 points and 25 rebounds per game, while West’s 42-point outburst in Game 3 sparked a three-game winning streak. The Lakers won Games 3, 4, and 5, securing the series. This comeback set a historical precedent for overcoming early home losses.
1993 Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In 1993, the Phoenix Suns faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. After losing Games 1 and 2 at America West Arena, the Suns, led by Charles Barkley, turned the series around.
Barkley’s 27 points and 17 rebounds per game were pivotal as the Suns won Games 3 and 4 in Los Angeles and closed out the series in Game 6 at home. This victory showcased Barkley’s leadership and the team’s ability to regroup under pressure.
1994 Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns
The 1994 Houston Rockets faced the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals, a series that tested their mettle. After losing Games 1 and 2 at home, Hakeem Olajuwon led the charge with nearly 30 points and 10 rebounds per game.
Coach Rudy Tomjanovich’s defensive adjustments contained the Suns’ offense, allowing the Rockets to win three straight games and ultimately the series in Game 7. This comeback propelled the Rockets toward their first NBA championship.
2005 Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets
The 2005 Dallas Mavericks pulled off a dramatic first-round comeback against the Houston Rockets. After dropping Games 1 and 2 at American Airlines Center, Dirk Nowitzki’s clutch performance, including a game-winning shot in Game 5, turned the tide.
The Mavericks won three straight games, including two on the road, to take the series 4-3. This victory highlighted Nowitzki’s star power and the team’s resilience.
2017 Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls
In 2017, the Boston Celtics faced a tough challenge against the Chicago Bulls in the first round. After losing Games 1 and 2 at TD Garden, Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford led a remarkable turnaround.
Thomas’s scoring and Horford’s all-around play helped the Celtics win four straight games to take the series 4-2. This comeback demonstrated Boston’s depth and mental toughness.
2021 Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks
The most recent comeback occurred in 2021, when the Los Angeles Clippers faced the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. After losing Games 1 and 2 at Staples Center, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard stepped up, leading the Clippers to three consecutive wins, including two on the road. They sealed the series 4-3, showcasing their star power and ability to perform under pressure.
Statistical Rarity of Comebacks After Losing First Two Home Games
The 79-0 NBA playoffs losing first two games at home scenario is statistically rare. Only six teams have won a best-of-seven series after such a deficit, out of hundreds of playoff series. For context, teams trailing 0-2 in any playoff series, regardless of location, have a comeback success rate of about 7.3%, according to Oddsshark.
When the losses occur at home, the odds are even slimmer, as the psychological blow and loss of home-court advantage make recovery exceptionally difficult. The table below summarizes the six successful comebacks:
| Year | Team | Opponent | Round | Series Result |
| 1969 | Los Angeles Lakers | San Francisco Warriors | Western Division Semifinals | 4-2 |
| 1993 | Phoenix Suns | Los Angeles Lakers | First Round | 4-2 |
| 1994 | Houston Rockets | Phoenix Suns | Western Conference Semifinals | 4-3 |
| 2005 | Dallas Mavericks | Houston Rockets | First Round | 4-3 |
| 2017 | Boston Celtics | Chicago Bulls | First Round | 4-2 |
| 2021 | Los Angeles Clippers | Dallas Mavericks | First Round | 4-3 |
This table illustrates the rarity and historical significance of these comebacks, emphasizing their place in NBA lore.
Psychological and Strategic Factors in Overcoming 0-2 Deficits
Losing the first two games at home can be a crushing blow. The pressure of performing in front of home fans, combined with the loss of momentum, often demoralizes teams. However, successful comebacks share common traits: strong leadership, mental resilience, and strategic adjustments.
For instance, in 1994, the Houston Rockets adjusted their defense to limit Charles Barkley and Kevin Johnson, allowing them to regain control. Similarly, in 2005, the Mavericks focused on containing Tracy McGrady, which proved decisive. Players like Dirk Nowitzki and Isaiah Thomas have emphasized the importance of staying focused and believing in the team’s ability to win, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
Notable Failures: Teams That Couldn’t Recover
While the six successful comebacks are celebrated, many teams have failed to recover from losing the first two games at home. For example, in 1984, the Philadelphia 76ers, defending champions, lost Games 1 and 2 at home to the New Jersey Nets in the first round.
Despite their talent, led by Julius Erving, they couldn’t overcome the deficit, losing the series 3-2. Similarly, in 2011, the Los Angeles Lakers, another defending champion, fell 0-2 at home to the Dallas Mavericks and lost the series 4-0. These examples highlight the immense challenge of recovering from early home losses.
Lessons from the 1979 Playoffs and Beyond
The 1979 NBA playoffs, while not featuring a team losing the first two games at home in a best-of-seven series, offer valuable lessons. The best-of-three first-round format meant teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers faced elimination after losing their first home game and the subsequent road game.
These early exits underscore the importance of capitalizing on home-court advantage, especially in shorter series. In contrast, the six teams that overcame 0-2 home deficits in best-of-seven series demonstrate that extended series provide more opportunities for adjustments and comebacks.
Conclusion
Overcoming the 79-0 NBA playoffs losing first two games at home scenario is one of the rarest and most inspiring feats in basketball. The six teams that achieved this—spanning from the 1969 Lakers to the 2021 Clippers—demonstrate that resilience, leadership, and strategic adjustments can defy even the steepest odds.
While the 1979 playoffs didn’t feature a direct example of this exact scenario, the early home losses by teams like the Hawks and Lakers highlight the challenge of recovering from such deficits. These stories remind us of the unpredictability and excitement of NBA playoffs.
FAQs
How many NBA teams have won a playoff series after losing the first two games at home?
Only six teams have accomplished this feat in NBA history: the 1969 Los Angeles Lakers, 1993 Phoenix Suns, 1994 Houston Rockets, 2005 Dallas Mavericks, 2017 Boston Celtics, and 2021 Los Angeles Clippers.
Why is home-court advantage so important in the NBA playoffs?
Home-court advantage provides familiar surroundings, supportive fans, and reduced travel fatigue, boosting a team’s performance. Losing this advantage early can shift momentum to the opponent, making comebacks difficult.
What strategies help teams recover from an 0-2 home deficit?
Successful teams often rely on defensive adjustments, standout performances from star players, and mental resilience. Coaches like Rudy Tomjanovich and players like Hakeem Olajuwon have emphasized focus and adaptability.
Did any team lose the first two games at home in the 1979 NBA playoffs?
In 1979, no team lost the first two games at home in a best-of-seven series. However, in the best-of-three first round, teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers lost their first home game, contributing to their series losses.
