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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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
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 /

Win at all costs

A game seven against the Boston Celtics is next to impossible to win. Philly must win this next game, and even by overtime or a buzzer beater, will change the entire course of round two.  As a matter of fact, a win at Boston Garden paves the way for a game six win on the road. Winning this series, in Philly or Boston or the parking lot is the ultimate goal. Forget about saving the win for a Wells Fargo setting. Just win. Philadelphia is just now experiencing this round two level of pressure.

And there is not certainty the will overcome all of the new variables in game two. It should be a more competitive game, or this one will not end in favor of Philadelphia. There was a cascading effect of errors in game one. Defensive errors, offensive errors. This was not a good game for Philadelphia.  Growing pains.  So yes, there is a great deal of growing up needed to win this series and the 76ers are very capable of doing just that. But every year is a different series. Winning this one just ramps up the pressure for next year. Just sit back and enjoy Sixers fans.

Don’t discount Coach Brown

But winning a series requires winning a game at a time. Right now, this Philadelphia 76ers team must win a game. And against the fiercest rival in the NBA, Boston. Philadelphia can adjust and must do so.  The perimeter was a particularly bloody mess for the Sixers in their first encounter.  So attending to the wings must be a priority in game two. And other changes must happen in terms of turnovers, and shot selection.

As a result, the Philadelphia 76ers are on the map for free agents now. They are a proven contender and will only improve each year going forward. But perhaps most of all, it adds some element of reverance from today’s fans to the accomplishments of the 1983 team.  On one hand, it can be done. In fact, it will take an effort from the entire team this year, and the entire organization going forward. On the other hand, that is what makes the best in rivalries. After all, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.