Biggest NBA playoff upsets

While the first round of the 2009 NBA playoffs had some memorable moments, it didn’t quite produce the shock waves of seasons past. Yes, No. 6 Dallas ousted No. 3 San Antonio in the Western Conference, but the Spurs were a nicked-up team that looked very much ready to go.

Big upsets keep the game interesting, and more than a few favorites have felt the embarrassment of that hard fall from grace.

Here’s a look at some of the most famous shockers in NBA postseason history:

2007: Golden State over Dallas — The Mavericks finished with the league’s best record, while the Warriors came in eighth in the Western Conference. Despite Golden State’s 3-0 season series win over Dallas, hardly anyone gave the underdogs a chance. The Warriors blew the Mavericks out of the playoffs, four games to two. Making matters worse for Dallas: Golden State coach Don Nelson had come from Dallas, eventually destroying the team he had helped build.

1987: Seattle over Dallas — Not to pick on the Mavericks, but going down hard seems to be part of the fabric of the franchise. (Don’t get us started on that 2-0 lead Dallas blew against Miami in the 2006 Finals.) This time, the Mavs were No. 2 in the seedings and a huge favorite. After a blowout win in Game 1, Dallas didn’t win another game and bowed out meekly.

1994: Denver over Seattle — The Nuggets, another No. 8 seed, were given little chance against the No. 1-seed Sonics, but Dikembe Mutombo led a spirited effort in sending the softer favorite home early.

1991: Golden State over San Antonio — For a franchise that hasn’t really won anything since the 1970s, the Warriors have a knack for making trouble for higher-seeded opponents. This time, Golden State entered the playoffs at No. 7 in the West before proving too much for the No. 2 Spurs.

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