Philadelphia 76ers: 15 greatest NBA playoff moments

11. Sixers upset top-seeded Bulls in 2012

The Sixers entered the 2012 NBA Playoffs as underdogs, facing a top-seeded Chicago Bulls team with two All-Stars in Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Few expected the Sixers, devoid of star talent, to compete. It ended up being one of the Sixers’ most memorable postseason runs.

Luck broke in Philadelphia’s favor, as Rose went down with a torn ACL late in the first game. Noah would then get hurt in Game 3, leaving the Sixers with a 2-1 series lead against a team missing its two best players.

Even with the asterisk next to the record, though, the Sixers put together an impressive run. Andre Iguodala stepped into a leadership role, while Jrue Holiday flashed the talent that would make him an NBA All-Star the next season. Even Spencer Hawes played an important role at center.

It was a team of misfits, lacking the traditional go-to option that most competitive teams have. It was also the Sixers’ first postseason appearance since Allen Iverson donned the jersey, with the lockout-shortened schedule playing a role. They weren’t supposed to be there, but made noise anyway.

The Sixers closed out the series in six games, winning in front of the home crowd and providing fans with an epic finish. Trailing by one with seven seconds left, Andre Iguodala rebounded a missed Omer Asik free throw before taking it full-court and drawing a foul.

After both free throws fell, the Bulls missed a full-court heave, sending the Wells Fargo Center into a frenzy as “Iggy” and Evan Turner leaped onto the scorer’s table. Watching from the Bulls bench was a young Jimmy Butler.

It was the pinnacle of excitement for an enjoyable Sixers team with several players who embodied the spirit of Philadelphia. The squad’s reign wouldn’t last long — ‘The Process’ would follow soon after — but contrary to belief at the time, people will remember the Sixers’ upset.