Philadelphia 76ers learn firsthand Celtics rivalry alive and well

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The Philadelphila 76ers rivalry with the Boston Celtics had waned with the fall of the Philadelphia 76ers. But in the second round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the Sixers are learning the Celtics rivalry is very much alive and well

It was a rested Philadelphia 76ers team who travelled to face the Boston Celtics in a much publicized renewal of one of the most heated and enduring rivalries in all of professional sports. The age old saga of the Boston Celtics from Beantown versus the Philadelphia 76ers from the City of Brotherly Love. Round two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. One more semifinals showdown betweeen two teams who have done this countless times for generations.

This is not Julius Irving facing off against Larry Byrd. But when they stepped onto the court for the first time, it was not Wilt Chamberlain facing off against Bill Russell. Today’s matchup will be the legends for tomorrow. That’s how this rivalry works. It endures the test of time.

Enduring rivalry

This rivalry has endured the entire life of the NBA.

Origins of the 76ers–Celtics rivalry. Syracuse Nationals & Boston Celtics played in the Eastern Division in the 1950s. Nats beat Celts in 3 straight playoff series: '54, '55, & '56, winning Championship in '55. After 1956 season Celtics traded for Bill Russell & drafted KC Jones
— Leo Ferris (@LeoFerrisNBA) April 30, 2018

But time wears down the heat and hatred generated in the NBA. After all, few recall those early contests. And there is not a significant increase in numbers of fans who recall firsthand the intense rivalry of the 1970’s and 1980’s Sixers-Celtics exchanges. But it was the furnace of those contests which forged the Philadelphia 76ers championship team of 1983, arguably one of the best in the NBA of all times.