The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers stand in way of Boston Celtics dominance

By Bret Stuter

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 18: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 18, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 18: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 18, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 13: EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Former basketball player Julius Erving is seen leaving Free Meek Mill rally on November 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 13: EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Former basketball player Julius Erving is seen leaving Free Meek Mill rally on November 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images) /

Dr. J vs. Byrd

The Celtics and Sixers of the Julius Erving / Larry Byrd days hold the peak of the ever heated rivalry. In those day, there was a presumption that either the 76ers or the Celtics would advance to the Championships. In those days, the regular season was merely a tune-up for that ever important playoff series.

And when so much fell upon that playoff round, there was an overload of competitive heat between the two teams.  Even the superstars get into the heat of the moment.

Nothing captures the essence of the emotions between Celtics and 76ers fans like that image of Dr. J and Larry Byrd trying to choke each other out. There is no other professional sports rivalry that comes close to this one. None. Nada.