description Celtics-76ers rivalry Overview
The Celtics-76ers rivalry represents one of basketball’s most enduring and intensely competitive matchups in NBA history. Beginning with early games involving the Syracuse Nationals, this Atlantic Division series has consistently produced dramatic playoff encounters between Boston and Philadelphia. The rivalry is particularly significant for fans of both teams and those interested in examining long-standing competition within professional sports.
help Celtics-76ers rivalry FAQ
Why does the Celtics-76ers rivalry include the Syracuse Nationals?
The 76ers franchise began as the Syracuse Nationals before moving to Philadelphia in 1963. Its playoff history with Boston therefore reaches back beyond the adoption of the 76ers name.
Which stars defined the early Celtics-76ers rivalry?
Bill Russell's Celtics repeatedly faced Wilt Chamberlain, first with the Philadelphia Warriors and later with the 76ers. The rivalry was renewed in another era by Larry Bird's Boston teams and Julius Erving's Philadelphia teams.
What happened in the 1965 Celtics-76ers playoff series?
Boston won the deciding Eastern Division finals game after John Havlicek intercepted Hal Greer's inbound pass in the final seconds. Radio announcer Johnny Most's call of the play became one of the best-known broadcasts in NBA history.
Did the Celtics and 76ers play each other during the Bird and Erving era?
Yes, Boston and Philadelphia met repeatedly in the Eastern Conference playoffs around the start of the 1980s. The teams split memorable seven-game conference finals in 1981 and 1982.
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