After 82 regular season games, the NBA playoffs often include intense matchups that provide opportunities for lower-seeded teams to challenge the best-record favorites.
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That is, whenever a No. 8 seed matches up with a No. 1 seed, it turns into a David vs. Goliath story.
In sports nothing is impossible, as six different teams in NBA history proved it by claiming victory in their 1st Round playoff matchups.
6.) No. 8 Philadelphia 76ers (35-31) def. No. 1 Chicago Bulls (50-16)- 2012
The 76ers pulled off a memorable upset in the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs by defeating the top-seeded Chicago Bulls in six games (4-2). However, it wasn't a fair fight, as reigning MVP Derrick Rose went down in Game 1 after tearing his ACL, while Joakim Noah suffered an ankle injury in Game 3
5.) No. 8 Miami Heat (44-38) def. No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks (58-24)- 2023
This was the first time a No. 8 seed defeated a No. 1 seed in less than six games (4-1). Even though the Bucks were title favorites led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Heat star Jimmy Butler put the team on his back and averaged 37.6 points per game this series. He scored a franchise playoff-record 56 points in Game 4, while also leading a 16-point comeback in Game 5. Ultimately, the Heat became the second No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals (lost to Denver Nuggets 4-1).
4.) No. 8 New York Knicks (27-23) def. No. 1 Miami Heat (33-17)- 1999
Coming off the 1999 NBA lockout, the Knicks surprised everyone, by defeating the Heat 3-2 (best of 5 series). This highly contested rivalry matchup ended on an Allan Houston last second game-winner in Game 5 . Led by a 36-year-old Patrick Ewing, the Knicks went on to the Finals that year (lost to San Antonio Spurs 4-1), making them the first 8-seed ever to do that.
3.) No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies (46-36) def. No. 1 San Antonio Spurs (61-21)- 2011
Coming into this 2011 1st Round matchup, the Grizzlies had never won a playoff game before. That is, led by Zach Randolph, Memphis stunned the 61-win Spurs dynasty, winning the series 4-2. The squad featured a "grit and grind" defensive-minded squad featuring perimeter lockdown Tony Allen and interior rim protector Marc Gasol.
2.) No. 8 Nuggets (42-40) def. No. 1 SuperSonics (63-19)- 1994
The Nuggets defeated the 63-win SuperSonics team in a five-game first round matchup (3-2); the first time a No. 8 seed won a playoff series. And what made this all the more impressive is that Denver was down 0-2, prior to winning Game 3, 4 (OT), and 5 (OT). The difference maker was Dikembe Mutombo, who was responsible for shutting down the SuperSonics' high-powered offense. To emphasize his defensive prowess, he blocked 31 shots that series (6+ per game).
1.) No. 8 Warriors (42-40) def. No. 1 Mavericks (67-15)- 2007
The Dallas Mavericks were expected to be a title team, after ending the regular season with a league-best 67 wins. That is, the ultimate underdog story developed in Oakland California, with the "We Believe" fanbase, as Baron Davis led the Warriors with multiple clutch moments. As well as, two-way player Stephen Jackson contributed heavily on both ends of the court, leading the team to a 4-2 series win. The nostalgia from this series lives on to this day, as it is highly recognized as a Cinderella story in which the Warriors ended an 11-year playoff win drought. This proved chemistry and momentum can lift a team to victory, no matter how much the odds are stacked against.
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