In 1968, the Celtics, down 1-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals, were led by Bill Russell to a comeback victory against Wilt Chamberlain's Philadelphia 76ers, ultimately defeating the Lakers in the Finals to win the championship.
In 1970, the Lakers, trailing 1-3 in the Western Conference Semifinals, staged a comeback against the Suns led by Wilt Chamberlain. However, they unfortunately lost 3-4 to Willis Reed's Knicks in the Finals, narrowly missing out on the championship.
In 1979, the Washington Bullets were down 1-3 to the Spurs in the Eastern Conference Finals. Yes, the Spurs were in the East back then. Ultimately, the Bullets, under the leadership of Elvin Hayes, reversed the deficit against the Spurs, but lost 1-4 to the Seattle SuperSonics in the Finals, missing out on the championship.
In 1981, the Celtics found themselves down 1-3 to the 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Again, it was the Celtics and Philadelphia, a repeat of the 1968 script. However, the savior for the Celtics this time was Larry Bird, not Bill Russell. Under Bird's leadership, the Celtics achieved another great comeback and defeated Moses Malone's Rockets in the Finals to win the championship that year.
Two identical scripts and endings.
Why are the Celtics called the "Iron-Blooded Green"?
How was the Green's formidable reputation built?
Regardless, the Philadelphia 76ers were truly unfortunate.
In 1995, the Rockets, trailing 1-3 in the Western Conference Semifinals, were led by Hakeem Olajuwon to defeat Charles Barkley's Suns, then beat the Spurs 4-2 in the Western Conference Finals, and swept the Magic, led by Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O'Neal, 4-0 in the Finals to win the championship that year.
In 1997, the Heat, down 1-3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, were led by Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning to defeat the Knicks and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, this comeback by the Heat was aided by Patrick Ewing's unexpected injury, otherwise, the team contending for the Eastern Conference title against Michael Jordan that year would have been the Knicks, not the Heat.
The most recent comeback in the league was by the Pistons in 2003. The league had just changed the first-round format from best-of-five to best-of-seven. The Magic, led by Tracy McGrady, held a 3-1 lead. If it had been a best-of-five series, the Magic would have advanced. But fate had other plans, the league changed the rules, the Pistons fought back, and ultimately achieved a great comeback, leaving McGrady to lament his first-round exit.
These are seven classic instances of 1-3 comebacks in league history!
Of course, this was not the last time.
He Xi Meng knew of a team in the future that was accustomed to collapsing when leading 3-1.
Returning home, the Heat naturally wanted to replicate their 1997 comeback. But that comeback had specific conditions.
Without Ewing's injury, it would have been difficult for the Heat to achieve that classic comeback. Now, the Celtics are fully healthy and strong. Is it possible for the Heat to win three consecutive games?
"Miracles are created by people! If we don't try, how will we know we can't?"
Before Game 5, Head Coach Pat Riley worked hard to instill belief in his players, urging them to trust the power of conviction.
Shaquille O'Neal put aside all his joking, unleashed his full power, and went all out at the risk of aggravating his old injury.
In this game, O'Neal and Yao Ming battled each other until both had accumulated 5 fouls!
Dwyane Wade also received 5 fouls!
Considering this was a home game for the Heat at the American Airlines Arena, having two of their core players pick up 5 fouls speaks volumes about the intensity of the defense.
It was precisely this never-say-die spirit that allowed the Heat to hold onto their third home game, forcing the Celtics, who had planned to win 4-1 and advance, to return home defeated.
O'Neal scored a game-high 27 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 3 blocks, a performance reminiscent of his prime.
But like a dream, it eventually had to end.
He Xi Meng originally didn't even want to concede this victory to the Heat, intending to hunt down the opponent on the road. But unfortunately, the referees wouldn't allow it, and He Xi Meng's shooting touch was also slightly off.
In Game 6, back at the FleetCenter, He Xi Meng displayed a rare dominant form, treating this game as if it were a Game 7.
As the game began, after securing the tip-off and the ensuing offensive possession, He Xi Meng immediately pulled up from two steps beyond the three-point line, shooting over the close-out defense of Damon Jones, and sinking the basketball.
After hitting the three-pointer, He Xi Meng spread his arms and gestured to the fans to let loose with their cheers.
Turning around, Wade called for a screen from Damon Jones, creating a mismatch against He Xi Meng, and using his speed to try and drive for a quick score to answer He Xi Meng's opening three-pointer.
However, He Xi Meng retreated in advance, denying Wade the chance to drive past him, and then positioned himself to draw a double-team from Josh Smith.
Josh Smith did not let He Xi Meng down, quickly sliding over, leaping high, and swatting the ball away from Wade's back as Wade attempted a pump fake followed by a suspended layup.
Vince Carter scrambled for the loose ball, turned, and initiated a fast break himself.
He Xi Meng deliberately lagged behind, observing the Heat's defensive positioning.
Led by Wade, the Heat's defense recovered quickly. Even the aging O'Neal, despite his sore legs, hustled back to get to his half of the court.
Carter's attempt at a quick break did not result in a direct drive to the Heat's basket, but rather was met with layered resistance from the Heat's defense.
Not wanting to force a shot, Carter instead passed the ball to Tony Allen, who had moved to the wing to receive it. Allen, facing Wade's quick recovery, did not shoot but passed it back, without catching, to He Xi Meng, who was trailing.
Upon seeing Carter's pass, He Xi Meng suddenly accelerated, using a crossover step-back maneuver to shake off Damon Jones, who was guarding him tightly, and quickly moved towards Tony Allen.
Tony Allen, having been trained by He Xi Meng all season, understood He Xi Meng's intention immediately and passed the ball.
He Xi Meng caught the ball and stopped, executing a realistic shooting motion that successfully drew out the nervous Damon Jones. He then dribbled one step horizontally and calmly rose to shoot.
Another three-pointer!