1981 Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 vs Philadelphia 76ers
A classic comeback: Celtics overcome 3–1 deficit to edge 76ers in 1981 Eastern Finals.
The 1981 Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers was a pivotal matchup in a classic seven-game series. Both teams finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA at 62–20, but Boston held the tiebreaker in the ranking.
Quick Facts
- Series status
- Eastern Conference Finals
- Opponent
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Result
- Boston Celtics Win (OT)
- Key figure
- Larry Bird
- Venue
- The Spectrum, Philadelphia
Lore & Background
The Celtics came back from a 3–1 deficit to win the series 4–3. They won Games 5 and 6 by 2 points each and the seventh game by 1 point, 91–90, coming back from a 7-point deficit with a few minutes left to win on a Larry Bird banker from the left side with barely a minute left.
Reader's Guide
Game 4 was part of a series where the Celtics ultimately overcame a 3–1 deficit. The series featured classic finishes, including the narrow 91–90 victory in Game 7.
Did You Know?
- Both the Celtics and the 76ers finished the 1980–81 regular season with a 62–20 record, the best in the NBA.
- The Celtics won Game 7 of the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals 91–90 on a Larry Bird banker from the left side with barely a minute left.
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