History Rewritten: The Dual 3-1 Comebacks of 2026
The first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs will be etched in the record books forever. For the first time in league history, two different teams successfully rallied from 3-1 series deficits in the same round.
The Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons both stared down elimination and refused to blink, turning a "safe" lead into a nightmare for the Celtics and Magic.
The Sixers' Impossible Run
Philadelphia’s comeback against the Boston Celtics was perhaps the more shocking of the two. The Celtics entered the series with a perfect 32-0 all-time record when leading a series 3-1. That streak was snapped in brutal fashion as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers to three straight dominant wins, culminating in a Game 7 victory at the TD Garden.
Detroit’s Survival
Meanwhile, the top-seeded Detroit Pistons found themselves in a dogfight with the 8th-seeded Orlando Magic. After falling behind 3-1, the Pistons leaned on their 60-win regular-season pedigree. Cade Cunningham became the hero of Detroit, orchestrating a comeback that culminated in a blowout Game 7 win at home.
What Does This Mean for Round 2?
These comebacks aren't just about survival; they’re about momentum. Both teams are entering the second round with the ultimate confidence that no lead is safe. For prop bettors, this means "series winner" odds for trailing teams might be worth a look in 2026.