Jack Clarke's deflected strike cancelled out a stunning Sam Clucas volley to secure Sunderland a battling draw away at lowly Rotherham United.
Clucas smashed the Millers ahead three minutes after the interval - a deserved reward for an impressive first-half display which saw Sam Nombe go close on three occasions.
The Black Cats dominated possession throughout, but had barely threatened the home goal until Clarke's effort took a cruel change of direction and looped into the net on 73 minutes.
Both sides had chances to earn victory in the closing stages but had to settle for a point, which sees them drop out of the play-off places following Hull City's win over Blackburn Rovers.