Philadelphia 76ers learn firsthand Celtics rivalry alive and well

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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers lays up a shot against Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2018 at TD Garden on April 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joel Embiid; Aron Baynes /

Rivalry created NBA Legends

It was no coindence that the most memorable names of the NBA rooted their reputations in this series. Moses Malone, Andrew Toney, Bobby Jones, Maurice Cheeks, Julius Erving, Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain. The list of 76ers legends goes on and on. Each found their place among the NBA greats from this series.

Rivalry etiquette

Some rivalries demand trash talking and trolling. Some fans find this to be the only reason to follow the sport. A shallow understanding of the physical and mental demands which ends at the “How many rings does your team have?”. But this is not that type of rivalry.

In some regards, this eclipses the NBA Championship series in many ways. When you face a best-of-seven match against an NBA opponent who knows you intimately, it’s a test of skill, mental toughness, and basketball IQ. In the end, toss out the individual statistics. This is a battle of wills, of move-countermove. This is the best of what you bring to overwhelm the best of what they bring. This goes beyond the player and the team. This is organization against organization. And its apt to renew each year for the next decade.