The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers learn firsthand Celtics rivalry alive and well

By Bret Stuter

(Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – APRIL 21: Head Coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks to the media after Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Miami Heat during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 21: Head Coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks to the media after Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Miami Heat during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Chess match on the basketball court

This rivalry involves the entire organization. On one hand, this rivalry engulfs ticket sales to strength conditioning coaches. On the other hand, it consumes undrafted players to the front office. And most of all, it impacts the lives of the coaches to the fans. This is a full-fledged rivalry, the likes of which is seldom duplicated in other professional sports.  And for fans who have not experienced one, or have forgotten the grueling torque of emotions, nothing compares.

Trolls beware

On one hand, this is not the type of series to troll about.  In fact, this is not the type of rivalry to cheer and clap and applaud and boast about one win. On the other hand, this is all-out, take-it-to-the-limit, leave-it-all-on-the-court series.  It will drop you to your knees. It will pull you up out of your seats to applaud.  This is the best that basketball has to offer. Strap yourself in for the long haul.

There will be far too many twists and turns to react to each momentum swing. Taking cheap shots early in this series will result in plenty of payback as the momentum swings the other way. And right now, the entire troll base is out and poised, cheering against the Philadelphia 76ers as one more opportunity to attempt another “bust” barrage at this young Sixers squad.