The 76ers vs. Celtics: A Historic Rivalry's Timeline of Epic Battles

The Eastern Conference has been the epicenter of basketball excitement for decades, and two teams have consistently been at the forefront of this intense rivalry: the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. With a combined 31 NBA championships, these two teams have been the benchmark of excellence in the league, and their on-court battles have been the stuff of legend. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the history of the 76ers vs. Celtics rivalry, highlighting some of the most epic battles in NBA history.

The 76ers and Celtics first met in the 1960s, a time when both teams were in the midst of building dynasties. The Celtics, led by Bill Russell, were dominating the league, winning an unprecedented 11 championships in 13 years. The 76ers, meanwhile, were struggling to find their footing, but players like Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer were starting to make a name for themselves. Despite their differences, the two teams had a natural rivalry brewing, fueled by their geographic proximity and competitive spirit.

The Early Years: 1960s-1970s

The 1960s were a pivotal time for the 76ers, as they began to establish themselves as a legitimate force in the NBA. In 1967, the team made their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, but fell short against the Celtics. However, this marked the beginning of a long and storied rivalry, with the two teams meeting in the playoffs every few years.

Some notable matchups from this era include:

• The 1967 NBA Finals, in which the Celtics defeated the 76ers 4-2
• The 1969 Eastern Conference Finals, in which the Celtics swept the 76ers 4-0
• The 1971 Eastern Conference Semifinals, in which the 76ers defeated the Celtics 4-3

The Larry Brown Era: 1978-1986

The 1970s saw the arrival of Larry Brown, a fiery coach who would become synonymous with the 76ers franchise. Brown led the team to several playoff appearances, including a trip to the 1979 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Celtics. This era was marked by a fierce rivalry between Brown and Celtics coach Red Auerbach, who were often at odds on the court and in the press.

Some notable matchups from this era include:

• The 1978 Eastern Conference Semifinals, in which the 76ers defeated the Celtics 4-3
• The 1980 Eastern Conference Finals, in which the Celtics defeated the 76ers 4-1
• The 1981 Eastern Conference Semifinals, in which the 76ers defeated the Celtics 4-2

The Jordan Era: 1984-1993

The 1980s saw the arrival of Michael Jordan, who would go on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history. Jordan's 1984-1985 season was particularly notable, as he led the 76ers to a 63-19 record and the Atlantic Division title. However, the team's playoff run was short-lived, as they lost to the Celtics in the first round.

Some notable matchups from this era include:

• The 1985 Eastern Conference First Round, in which the 76ers defeated the Celtics 3-2
• The 1986 Eastern Conference Semifinals, in which the Celtics defeated the 76ers 4-2
• The 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals, in which the 76ers defeated the Celtics 4-3

The Modern Era: 1993-Present

The 1990s saw a resurgence in the 76ers franchise, with the arrival of players like Allen Iverson and Toni Kukoč. Iverson, in particular, became a central figure in the rivalry, leading the 76ers to several playoff appearances and earning multiple MVP awards. However, the Celtics continued to be a thorn in the 76ers' side, winning several playoff series and ultimately claiming the 2001 NBA championship.

Some notable matchups from this era include:

• The 1996 Eastern Conference Semifinals, in which the Celtics defeated the 76ers 4-2
• The 2000 Eastern Conference Finals, in which the Celtics defeated the 76ers 4-1
• The 2001 NBA Finals, in which the Lakers defeated the 76ers, but the Celtics ultimately claimed the championship in 2008

The Process Era: 2013-2016

The 2010s saw the arrival of the "Process," a rebuilding era for the 76ers under the guidance of coach Brett Brown and general manager Sam Hinkie. This era was marked by a young and talented core, including Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Dario Šarić. While the 76ers experienced some early success, including a 2017 NBA Finals appearance, they ultimately fell short against the Celtics in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.

Some notable matchups from this era include:

• The 2014 NBA Preseason, in which the 76ers defeated the Celtics 99-90
• The 2015 Eastern Conference Playoffs, in which the Celtics defeated the 76ers 4-2
• The 2017 NBA Finals, in which the Warriors defeated the 76ers, but the Celtics ultimately lost to the Warriors in the 2017 Eastern Conference Semifinals

The Current Era: 2019-Present

The 2019-2020 season saw the 76ers experience some resurgence under the guidance of coach Brett Brown and general manager Elton Brand. With the addition of players like Tobias Harris and Danny