The 76ers have been waiting for this moment for 22 years. After moving to the brink of their first conference finals berth in franchise history, they’ll get to do it at home. Some tickets to upcoming 76ers vs Celtics 2023 playoff game 6 are still available, however they are expensive. Click here to see remaining tickets for the Game 6
Philadelphia built an early 42–27 lead and never looked back, leading by as much as 21 points in their 117–106 win over the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Joel Embiid recorded 33 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks as Philadelphia built an early 42–27 lead and never looked back, leading by as much as 21 points. Tyrese Maxey also stepped up for the 76ers, contributing 30 points and six three-pointers, while James Harden had 17 points, ten assists, and eight rebounds on 50% shooting. Jayson Tatum scored 36 points for Boston, but he struggled to shoot efficiently, going 11-of-27 from the field. Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points, but the Celtics struggled to find their shot throughout the game, shooting just 40% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc.
76ers – Celtics Rivalry
The rivalry between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics has been a cornerstone of the NBA landscape for decades. These two teams, both rich in history and success, have engaged in epic battles on the court that have shaped the league as we know it today. Let’s take a closer look at the origins of this rivalry, its most iconic moments, and the key players involved.
The Beginning
The roots of the 76ers-Celtics rivalry can be traced back to the late 1950s and early 1960s when the Celtics, led by legendary head coach Red Auerbach and superstar center Bill Russell, were the dominant force in the NBA. During this time, the 76ers, then known as the Syracuse Nationals, were building a strong team centered around forward Dolph Schayes.
In 1963, the Nationals moved to Philadelphia and became the 76ers. The real rivalry started to take shape in the 1964-65 season when the 76ers acquired the immensely talented Wilt Chamberlain. With Chamberlain, the 76ers now had a formidable foe to challenge the Celtics’ supremacy in the Eastern Conference.
Iconic Moments
Over the years, the 76ers and Celtics have had numerous memorable encounters. One of the most iconic moments in the rivalry occurred during the 1967 Eastern Conference Finals. Many regard this as the turning point in the rivalry, as the Chamberlain-led 76ers dethroned the seemingly unstoppable Celtics, ending their eight-year championship streak.
Another standout moment in the rivalry came in the 1980s when the 76ers and Celtics, now led by Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Larry Bird, respectively, faced off in a series of intense playoff battles. The 1982 Eastern Conference Finals, in which the 76ers overcame a 3-1 deficit to win the series, showcased the incredible talent and unyielding determination of both teams.
Key Players
Throughout the history of the 76ers-Celtics rivalry, several players have left their mark. On the 76ers’ side, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson have etched their names into the annals of the rivalry. For the Celtics, legends like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Paul Pierce have played crucial roles in maintaining the intensity of the rivalry.
The Present and the Future
Today, the 76ers-Celtics rivalry remains as fierce as ever, and 2023 NBA play off series is another great addition. Will Game 6 will be the last one? We’ll see that tomorrow.