The 2025‑26 NBA season has already delivered some unforgettable moments, and few are as thrilling as the biggest fourth-quarter comebacks. NBA listed down the games that showcased teams refusing to surrender, overturning large deficits in the final 12 minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. From explosive individual performances to clutch teamwork, these rallies remind fans why the NBA is full of dramatic, edge-of-your-seat finishes.
1. Nov. 16 — Atlanta Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns — 18-point comeback
The Hawks overcame an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit in Phoenix, turning a likely defeat into a 124-122 win. Atlanta trailed by as many as 22 early in the period, but a 47-27 run was sparked by Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 16 points in the quarter. Dyson Daniels added nine of his 11 points in the frame, and Atlanta’s balanced scoring down the stretch neutralized the Suns’ lead. This rally was the largest fourth-quarter comeback of the 2025-26 season because the Hawks erased the biggest point gap entering the final 12 minutes.
2. Dec. 18 — New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets — 16-point comeback
The Pelicans trailed Houston by 16 heading into the fourth quarter after the Rockets built a large second-half lead. New Orleans clawed back with a spirited charge, tying the game by the end of regulation on Saddiq Bey’s late scoring. In overtime, Bey and Trey Murphy III kept up the momentum, and Bey sealed the 133-128 victory at the free-throw line. This comeback earned its place on the list because the Pelicans erased a substantial deficit against a high-scoring Rockets team.
3. Oct. 28 — Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards — 16-point comeback
Philadelphia trailed Washington by 16 entering the final quarter after the Wizards dominated parts of the first half. In the fourth, Tyrese Maxey erupted for 14 points, and Quentin Grimes contributed key baskets, force-feeding momentum and tying the game by the end of regulation. The Sixers carried that surge into overtime, where Maxey scored nine of their 13 points to complete the 139-134 victory. It ranks among the top comebacks because of Philadelphia’s dramatic late rally and clutch overtime execution.
4. Dec. 12 — Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards — 15-point comeback
The Cavaliers trailed Washington by 15 going into the fourth quarter, with the Wizards leading most of the game. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell took control down the stretch, finishing with 24 of his game-high 48 points in the final quarter, including several key three-pointers that erased the deficit. Evan Mobley’s all-around play helped sustain the comeback, and Cleveland ultimately secured a 130-126 win. This comeback is notable for Mitchell’s dominant fourth-quarter scoring to overturn a large deficit.
5. Jan. 11 — Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs — 14-point comeback
Minnesota trailed San Antonio by 14 entering the fourth quarter and had never trailed prior to the final minutes. The Wolves mounted a fierce rally, with Naz Reid’s 17 points off the bench and Anthony Edwards supplying clutch baskets in the fourth. Edwards hit the go-ahead runner with 16.8 seconds left, lifting Minnesota to a 104-103 victory. This game made the top five due to the dramatic turnaround and the clutch finishing in the final moments.
Conclusion
The top five fourth-quarter comebacks of the 2025‑26 season highlight the intensity and unpredictability of professional basketball. Each game demonstrated resilience, poise under pressure, and the ability to execute in critical moments. These comebacks not only energized fans but also cemented memorable performances and pivotal moments that will be remembered long after the season ends.
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