Intro: The 76ers vs Boston Celtics Timeline Begins
The 76ers vs Boston Celtics timeline paints a legendary picture filled with iconic players and insane rivalries like Wilt Chamberlain vs Bill Russell, Joel Embiid vs Jayson Tatum, and more. This rivalry has truly shaped the NBA, and whether you prefer The 76ers vs Boston Celtics timeline or Celtics vs 76ers, one thing’s for certain, it never fails to entertain.
The Early Years: 1950’s – 1960’s
The Celtics vs 76ers rivalry picked up steam in the late fifties when the Philadelphia Warriors (later the 76ers) had some intense showdowns with the Boston Celtics.
Key Moments:
– 1959 – 1966: Bill Russell’s Celtics dominated, winning 8 straight titles while defeating the Warriors/76ers.
– 1965 Eastern Finals: The 76ers and Boston Celtics had a very engaging 7 game series and the Celtics emerged victorious.
– 1967: The 76ers led by Wilt Chamberlain had a clear route to the championship after dethroning the Celtics, winning in the finals.
The Celtics were the gatekeepers and the 76ers had to break through.
The 1970s – 1980s: Bird vs Dr. J
The rivalry between the 76ers and Boston Celtics took a whole new level during the era of Julius Erving and Larry Bird.
Memorable Battles:
– 1981 Eastern Finals: The Celtics vs 76ers ended in a very intense Game 7 with Bird’s iconic steal gifting Boston the win.
– 1982 Eastern Finals: Another Game 7 but this time, the 76ers came out on top.
– 1985 Eastern Finals: Although the Celtics triumphed in 5 games, the rivalry continued to heat up.
Why This Era Mattered?
– The intensity of physical basketball.
– The NBA best two forwards facing off.
The 2000s: Iverson vs Pierce
This period marked the encaration of the The 76ers vs Boston Celtics rivalry with Allen Iverson and Paul Pierce serving as the franchise cornerstones.
Key Games:
– The Celtics vs 76ers in the 2002 playoffs. The Celtics won 3-1.
– The Big Three Celtics Garnett, Allen and Pierce dominated, but Celtics vs 76ers was a fueled rivalry. 2008 onwards.
Fun Fact: 2005 was a defining time for The Answer throughout the NBA. While it was the Nuggets and the championship that he sought .i.e. the an ever elusive “Practice?” rant of sorts.
Modern Era: Embiid & Simmons vs Tatum & Brown
The most recent iteration of the 76ers vs Boston Celtics timeline features different young faces, Simmons and Embiid for the 76ers while Tatum and Brown for the Celtics.
Recent Highlights:
– The Celtics and 76ers faced off in the Eastern Semifinals. It was a five game series, ending with Boston winning.
– 2018 postseason stood out as the shining moment for the Celtics sweeping the season. Together with 2020 regular season they steam rolled the 76ers.
– The 2023 playoffs featured a nail biting seven game series of the Celtics narrowly coming out on top.
What’s Next?
– Look forward to Joel Embiid mouthing off tune to his MVP form against Jayson Tatum in anticipation of what is to come. How will the “patient but hungry” Celtics address potential playoff matchups.
Conclusion: The 76ers vs Boston Celtics Timeline Continues
GIving birth to the Russell vs Chamberlain polemic gives light to Tatum vs Embiid. The 76ers vs Boston Celtics timeline has so much to experience and reminisce spanning greatness & utterly heartbreaking but limitless battles.
Regardless if you look into theCeltics vs 76ers history or wait to see how they will compete in the future, one thing is for sure, this rivalry will never be erased from the history of NBA.