1980 Playoffs Larry Bird Debut

Lore & Background

The 1980 playoff series between the Celtics and 76ers was the Eastern Conference Semifinals, not the First Round. Game 1 of that series was on April 20, 1980. The series result was 4-1 in favor of the 76ers. The Celtics were eliminated by the 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Did You Know?

• The Celtics and Lakers have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals.
• The Celtics have won 18 championships, and the Lakers have won 17.
• The rivalry became less intense after Larry Bird and Magic Johnson retired in the early 1990s.