12. Fo, fo, fo
It’s perhaps the second-most famous interview in Sixers franchise history. Ahead of the Philadelphia’s historic 1983 title run, NBA MVP Moses Malone offered up a simple prediction: Fo, fo, fo. He was, of course, referring to how many games it would take the Sixers to win the ‘chip. Three straight sweeps.
He ended up being remarkably close. The Sixers were a dominant force, steadfast behind Malone’s production, Julius Erving’s talent and Maurice Cheeks’ playmaking abilities. Philadelphia won the first round in four, abruptly sweeping the New York Knicks. They went on to win the NBA Finals in four as well, handling Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. Only the second round deviated from Malone’s prediction.
The Milwaukee Bucks were a tough team, entering the conference finals after handing the Celtics’ their first sweep in franchise history. The Sixers jumped out to a 3-0 series lead, but would lose the fourth game 100-94 — ending Malone’s fo, fo, fo chances.
How close the Sixers came to accomplishing that task, however, speaks to just how dominant the 1982-83 team was. Erving and company were competitive in seasons prior, but it wasn’t until Malone’s arrival that the championship became almost inevitable. He was NBA MVP for a reason.
1983 was the last time Philadelphia came out on top in basketball. That’s why it will deservedly get multiple spots on this list. Malone’s quote remains one of the most famous sentences uttered by a Sixers player.