Clippers rally from 35 down to defeat Wizards, complete second-largest comeback in NBA history

Gilbert McGregor

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Clippers rally from 35 down to defeat Wizards, complete second-largest comeback in NBA history image

I believe the saying goes, "down but not out."

After trailing by as many as 35 points, the Clippers embodied that saying on Tuesday while earning a stunning comeback win over the Wizards. 

With one minute and 20 seconds remaining in the first half, two free throws from Bradley Beal gave the Wizards a 66-31 lead, giving the team a 99.7 percent win probability. From that point, the Clippers outscored the Wizards 85-49 to escape Capital One Arena with a one-point victory in regulation.

The game's final sequence is arguably just as wild as the comeback itself, as a logo-length 3-pointer from Luke Kennard cut the deficit to three points with 8.2 seconds remaining.

After the Wizards committed a five-second violation, the Clippers got the ball back, setting up a 4-point play from Kennard, which caused the Clippers' broadcast crew — and veteran forward Nicolas Batum — to express their disbelief.

With the win, the Clippers completed their third comeback of 24 or more points this season. It also marked the largest comeback in franchise history and the second-largest comeback in NBA history.

Below, find more on the biggest rallies in the NBA's 75-year history.

What are the biggest comebacks in NBA history?

Date Comeback By Leader Deficit Final Score
Nov. 27, 1996 Jazz Nuggets 36 Jazz 107, Nuggets 103
Jan. 25, 2022 Clippers Wizards 35 Clippers 116, Wizards 115
Dec. 21, 2009 Kings Bulls 35 Kings 102, Bulls 98
April 30, 2021 Celtics Spurs 32 Celtics 143, Spurs 140 (OT)
Nov. 28, 1975 Warriors Bucks 31 Warriors 106, Bucks 105

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Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.