Celtics-76ers Rivalry

Lore & Background

The Celtics and 76ers first met in the playoffs in 1953 (Eastern Division Semifinals), when the Syracuse Nationals (the franchise that later became the 76ers) defeated the Celtics 2–0. The rivalry intensified in the 1960s as Bill Russell's Celtics battled Wilt Chamberlain's 76ers, including a memorable 1965 Eastern Division Finals where the Celtics won Game 7 110–109 after John Havlicek stole the ball from Hal Greer to preserve the lead. In the 1980s, Larry Bird and Julius Erving led their teams in classic series, such as the 1981 Eastern Conference Semifinals (Celtics overcame a 3–1 deficit to win 4–3) and the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals (76ers won 4–3).

The 1985 Eastern Conference Semifinals saw the Celtics defeat the 76ers in five games. The rivalry continued into the 2000s with playoff meetings in 2002 (Celtics won 3–2 in the First Round) and 2012 (Celtics won 4–3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals).

Reader's Guide

The rivalry is defined by five playoff meetings from 1985 to 1991, with Boston winning in 1985 and 1987, and Detroit winning in 1988, 1989, and 1991. Key players include Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Bill Laimbeer. The Pistons' physical 'Bad Boys' style and the Celtics' finesse created intense matchups. Later meetings include the 2002 and 2008 playoffs, with Boston winning both.

Did You Know?

• In the 1981 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Celtics overcame a 3–1 deficit to defeat the 76ers, winning Game 7 91–90.
• The 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Celtics and 76ers featured seven games, with the Celtics winning Game 7 85–75.