Philadelphia 76ers

Lore & Background

The 76ers have won three NBA championships – in 1955 as the Nationals; in 1967, led by Wilt Chamberlain; and in 1983, led by Julius Erving and Moses Malone. The 76ers returned to the NBA Finals in 2001, led by Allen Iverson and losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Madison Square Garden hung heavy with the scent of popcorn and anticipation. On the hardwood, the Knicks in their classic orange and blue squared off against the Sixers in their white and red. The crowd roared as a Sixer drove to the basket, met by a thunderous block from a Knicks defender. It was not just a game; it was a continuation of decades of history written in sweat and blood. Every rebound fought for, every foul called, carried the weight of past playoff heartbreaks and triumphs. In that moment, the rivalry was alive, breathing through the eyes of fans who had waited all season to see their city's team stand tall against their oldest neighbors.

Reader's Guide

Many Hall of Fame players have played for the organization, including Chamberlain, Erving, Malone, Iverson, Dolph Schayes, Hal Greer, Chet Walker, Billy Cunningham, George McGinnis, Maurice Cheeks, Bobby Jones, and Charles Barkley. Five 76ers players have been the NBA's Most Valuable Player a total of seven times – Chamberlain, Erving, Malone, Iverson, and Joel Embiid.

Did You Know?

• The team originated as the Syracuse Nationals in 1946, founded by Italian immigrant Danny Biasone for $5,000.
• Danny Biasone proposed the 24-second shot clock, which debuted in the 1954–55 season and helped the Nationals win their first NBA championship.
• The Nationals were one of seven NBL teams brought into the NBA when the NBL and BAA merged in 1949.
• The 1954–55 championship was decided by a George King free throw and subsequent steal in the final seconds of Game 7.

Historic Championship Run

After dismissing Tom Thibodeau and hiring Mike Brown during the offseason, the franchise embarked on an unprecedented season that saw them secure both the NBA Cup and the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Their playoff journey was defined by dominance; they swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semifinals and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals to reach their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. In a dramatic rematch against the San Antonio Spurs, New York overcame a staggering 29-point deficit in Game 4, setting a record for the largest comeback in Finals history. They closed out the series in five games, becoming the first team ever to win the NBA Cup, advance through multiple playoff rounds, and claim the championship all within a single season.

NBA Cup Triumph

After topping East Group C by edging out the Miami Heat on head-to-head records, they navigated the knockout stage with decisive victories over the Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic before defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the championship round. This victory was historic not only for adding hardware to the franchise's collection but also because New York became the first Cup champion to win without a perfect record. The tournament success served as a precursor to their larger achievements, proving the team could excel under unique formats and high-pressure environments throughout the year.

Record-Breaking Playoff Dominance

New York's postseason performance was characterized by statistical anomalies and sheer force of will. In the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, they set an NBA playoff record for the largest halftime lead with a 47-point advantage, eventually winning Game 6 by a franchise-record margin of 51 points. The team's ability to overcome deficits was on full display, particularly after rallying from a 2–1 series deficit against Atlanta and later erasing a massive hole in Game 4 of the Finals, showcasing a level of resilience that defined their championship pedigree.

Draft Strategy and Roster Construction

Entering the draft with limited assets due to prior trades involving Mikal Bridges and penalties related to Jalen Brunson's free agency signing, the Knicks executed a shrewd maneuver with their lone second-round pick. Originally holding the 50th selection acquired from Memphis via Oklahoma City, New York immediately traded the rights of Kobe Sanders to the Los Angeles Clippers. In exchange, they secured the draft rights to Mohamed Diawara at number 51 and Luka Mitrović. This strategic pivot highlighted a front office focused on maximizing value through immediate asset conversion rather than long-term lottery hopes, reflecting a pragmatic approach to roster building that supported their championship aspirations.