7. Maurice Cheeks puts cherry on 1983 title run
The 1982-83 season was a magical one for Sixers fans, ending in the franchise’s most recent NBA title. Several moments on this list stem from that season — whether it’s Moses Malone’ famous prediction or Julius Erving’s late-game dominance.
One of the most memorable single plays in Sixers history, however, came courtesy of Maurice Cheeks — the diminutive lead guard who was known for his playmaking more than his flash. As the final seconds wound down, Cheeks broke out a slam dunk, punctuating the Sixers’ 115-108 victory.
That team ended up with five Basketball Hall of Famers — Cheeks, Erving, Malone, sixth man Bobby Jones and head coach Billy Cunningham. Cheeks wasn’t the most exciting talent on the team, but his work ethic, hustle and basketball I.Q. fit in the Philadelphia sports scene.
For such a star-laden group, it was quite the balanced effort. Malone was the stabilizing force inside, while Erving provided an athletic scoring punch. Cheeks orchestrated the offense, while Jones was an all-time defender off the bench. All the pieces clicked at the right time.
When looking back on the moment, Cheeks said the dunk was “thrill of the moment,” as he wasn’t known for athletic feats. It epitomized the excitement around both the organization and the city, as the Sixers achieved the long-awaited title status. It was fitting for how dominant that title run was as well — fo, fi, fo.