Are the 76ers and the Celtics Still Rivals?
The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Boston Celtics at 8pm tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. Boston has had their number with a 3-0 record in the regular-season series….
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends Noah Vonleh #4 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden on October 18,…
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Boston Celtics at 8pm tonight at the Wells Fargo Center.
Boston has had their number with a 3-0 record in the regular-season series. However, John Kincade doesn’t feel the venom for the Celtics of the modern era.
“I have such a disdain for the Celtics, but honestly, it feels like that disdain was just from my childhood and from my young adulthood.” -John Kincade
The 76ers-Celtics rivalry has more than its fair share of history. They have met in the postseason more than any two NBA franchises, but the feud doesn’t rage as hot in 2023 as it did during the 1980s. (Don't tell Anthony Gargano that though.)
Most Philadelphia fans would consider the Celtics their most hated NBA team, but are they really an arch-rival to Joel Embiid and the Sixers of the modern era?
Celtics Dominate Sixers
The Celtics unquestionably have the upper hand in recent history. Bob Cooney even ceded “majority ownership” of the Sixers to Boston.
“It doesn’t matter the level of sports you’re playing. Sometimes, teams just have something over another team. They might not be more talented. They might not be deeper. Whatever it is, but for some reason, they just have success against that other team.” -Bob Cooney
The two teams have met three times in the playoffs in 11 years and twice over the last five years. The Celtics have won all three series. They took down the Sixers in five games in 2018 and swept them in the Disney World bubble in 2020. They defeated Philadelphia in a tightly-fought Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2012.
76ers-Celtics Rivalry
Connor Thomas spoke as a member of the younger generation who didn’t experience the most heated rivalry years of the 1980s.
“I don’t like them. I don’t like Boston in general. I don’t like that team. I don’t like that fan base. For whatever reason, and maybe it’s just the older generation influencing me, but I can point to multiple series in the playoffs where I’ve been like 'I hate this Boston Celtics organization and this core.'” -Connor Thomas
The rivalry should rage for younger generations who watched Rajon Rondo drill two impossible three balls in Game 7 in 2012 to put the dagger in the backs of the Sixers.
The memory of Ben Simmons finishing with 1 point in an NBA playoff game in 2018 should leave a scar.
It should get under the skin of fans when the Sixers get swept by their historical rival in a playoff series, even if it was in the most forgettable NBA playoff year in league history.
What Reignites the Rivalry?
Philadelphia fans watched Jayson Tatum hit a devastating game-winner against the Sixers on Feb. 25. They have a constant reminder that the Celtics won the 2017 trade that led the Sixers to pick Markelle Fultz while the Celtics ended up with the best player taken at the top of the draft.
What makes a rivalry though? Both sides have to exchange blows. The Sixers haven’t provided the best competition for the defending Eastern Conference champions.
If they finally decide to compete against the Celtics, the new generation of Sixers fans might be able to appreciate the stories their fathers and grandfathers told them about Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Andrew “The Boston Strangler” Toney going up against Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.
Listen to 76ers-Celtics on 97.5 The Fanatic tonight at 8pm.
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There are not many more deflating plays in sports than being dunked on. Being put on a poster not only means the other team scored on you, but your goofy face as you react to it will be plastered all over social media. And maybe even on a poster on some kid's wall. But when it is your team's player pulling off the poster dunk, there are few things that get you out of your seat faster. And the Sixers are no strangers to big-time dunks.
Joel Embiid alone has several poster-worthy dunks. The rightful MVP is certainly not afraid of contact near the rim. Despite the cries from Jokic fans, there is a reason Embiid gets to the line so much. Because having him shoot FTs is better than the alternative. Which is him driving to the time and stealing some guy's soul with an explosive dunk. But it is not just him. Several Sixers players are responsible for eye-popping dunks this season. Including one guy who hasn't even stepped on the court in a Sixers game this season. But he put on quite a show in the dunk contest.
So here are 11 times, Embiid, Tobias Harris, Paul Reed, Montrezl Harris, and Mac McClung all had poster-worthy dunks this season.
Philadelphia 76ers v Charlotte Hornets
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)Tobias Harris isn't as well known for his dunks as other guys on this team. But he certainly got one over on Mason Plumlee back in November
Indiana Pacers v Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)Montrezl Harrell hasn't worked out so well for the Sixers this season. But when he is on on the floor, there is one thing he does very well. Dunk. And he dunked on one of the best shot blockers in the NBA, Myles Turner, earlier this season.
Philadelphia 76ers v Washington Wizards
(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)Neither Daniel Gafford #21 or Deni Avdija #9 of the Washington Wizards wanted anything to do with contesting this Embiid dunk. Can you blame them? Probably would not have ended well if they did go up to try and block him.
Brooklyn Nets v Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)Harrell is not the only backup big who can fly. Paul Reed has had some big dunks of his own. Including this one over Joe Harris of the Nets back in November. It was 2 of his 19 points on the night as he helped lead the Sixers to a win despite Joel Embiid not playing that night.
Orlando Magic v Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)You do not want to be in Joel Embiid's way when he has a head of steam. As Paolo Banchero of the Magic learned in January. Banchero probably made the right choice not jumping to try and block it. But it still didn't look great for him.
2023 NBA All Star - AT&T Slam Dunk Contest
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)It wasn't in a game, and he hasn't actually played for the Sixers this season. but we cant have a list of great Sixers dunks this season and not bring up Mac McClung's performance at the Dunk contest. he not only won, but nearly had 4 perfect scores. Including this dunk where he leaped over a man before finished with a backwards dunk.
Indiana Pacers v Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)Tobias Harris came in with another poster in January. This time over Aaron Nesmith of the Pacers.
Memphis Grizzlies v Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)What is better than a poster over one player? One over two. Jarren Jackson and Brandon Clarke both tried to stop this Paul Reed dunk. It did not work out for them.
Philadelphia 76ers v Washington Wizards
(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)Montrezl Harrell despite not playing much of late, still had multiple posters this season. The other coming back in December when he dunked on Daniel Gafford #21 of the Washington Wizards.
Philadelphia 76ers v New Orleans Pelicans
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)Not exactly a poster, because Willy Hernangomez of the Pelicans mostly just stood there and watched. but Embiid dunking while Willy recoils still makes for a great image.
Charlotte Hornets v Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Despite Kelly Oubre Jr hanging right over top of him, Embiid finished this monster dunk back in December.
