Celtics vs 76ers

Lore & Background

The rivalry began when the franchise was the Syracuse Nationals, who beat the Celtics in three straight playoff series in 1954, 1955, and 1956. After the Celtics traded for Bill Russell and drafted K.C. Jones, they won their next three playoff series against the Nationals (1957, 1959, and 1961) before the Nationals moved to Philadelphia in 1963 and became the 76ers. The rivalry intensified with the acquisition of Wilt Chamberlain in 1965, leading to memorable playoff meetings, including the 1965 Eastern Division Finals where John Havlicek's steal preserved a Celtics win. The 76ers ended Boston's eight-year championship reign in 1967, winning the NBA title. The Celtics came back from a 3–1 deficit to beat the 76ers in the 1968 Eastern Division Finals. In the 1980s, the rivalry featured Julius Erving and Larry Bird, with the 76ers beating the Celtics in the 1980 Eastern Conference Finals and the Celtics returning the favor in 1981 and 1982. The 76ers won the NBA championship in 1983 after acquiring Moses Malone. The rivalry cooled after 1985, with the teams meeting in the playoffs only in 1985, 2002, 2012, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2026.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Spectrum hung heavy with tension, a thick fog of sweat and anticipation. Larry Bird stood at the free-throw line, the crowd's roar fading into a dull hum as he focused on the rim. Across the court, Julius Erving adjusted his shorts, eyes locked on the legend in green. The scoreboard blinked, seconds ticking away in a Game 7 that felt like it had lasted a lifetime. There were no teammates here, only two giants standing between glory and oblivion. Bird dribbled once, twice, the ball slapping against the hardwood with a rhythmic thud that echoed the heartbeat of the city outside. He rose up, the release perfect, as history held its breath.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry spans from the 1950s Syracuse Nationals era through the present. Key periods include the Chamberlain-Russell era (1960s), the Dr. J and Bird era (late 1970s–1980s), and a lull after 1985. The Celtics have won 15 of the 23 playoff series between the teams.

Did You Know?

• The 76ers are considered the Celtics' second biggest rival, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers.
• The Celtics came back from a 3–1 deficit to beat the 76ers in the 1968 Eastern Division Finals.
• The 76ers ended Boston's eight-year championship reign in 1967, winning the NBA title that season.
• In the 1980 Eastern Conference Finals, the 76ers beat the Celtics in 5 games, not coming back from a 3–2 deficit.