Hoops Habit
Fansided

The 10 greatest upsets in NBA playoff history

By Sravan Gannavarapu

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 04: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Ben Wallace #6 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the Staples Center on January 4, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 04: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Ben Wallace #6 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the Staples Center on January 4, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat, Alonzo Mourning (Photo credit should read RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images)
Miami Heat, Alonzo Mourning (Photo credit should read RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images) /

No. 10: Jamal Mashburn gets revenge on the Miami Heat in 2001

“Monster Mash” played a critical role in the Miami Heat’s success during his tenure in South Beach from 1997-2000. However, with the Heat consistently failing to make a push in the playoffs, Mahsburn was cast off. This was primarily due to Mashburn’s playoff performances taking a downward spiral at the most inopportune times. As such, he was traded to Charlotte.

Entering the 2001 playoffs, as fate would have it, Mashburn and the Hornets would meet the Heat in the first round. Alongside Baron Davis, Mashburn saw fit to make his former team pay, averaging 23.6 points per game in a three-game sweep over Miami. What makes it all the sweeter is how this came following former teammates believing the organization was better off without him.

Oh really? It sounds like Mashburn was happy to eliminate his former team. Thankfully for Miami, Dwayne Wade eventually arrived, and South Beach began to rise. But to lose to Mashburn after talking behind his back like that? It seems fitting that the punishment be delivered in a sweeping statement.