10. ‘Beat LA’ chants in 1982 ECF
The Sixers-Celtics rivalry goes back further than 2018, folks. There has been bad blood between the northeastern franchises since the early days. That hatred was at its peak in the early-to-mid 1980s. That’s why this moment was so unique.
After a hard-fought series in the 1982 playoffs, the Sixers were en route to a Game 7 victory on foreign turf. It was in Boston, meaning the fans in attendance were very much anti-Philadelphia. Or, at least, that’s what one might assume.
Something happened, though. Something that showcases the bond sports can create. Rather than unceremoniously booing the Sixers, Boston fans united in an epic ‘Beat L.A.’ chant — referring to the Sixers’ impending NBA Finals matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
It links to the classic ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’ adage, as both franchises were entrenched in their disdain for the Lakers. Celtics fans, rather than dwelling on a tough loss, were willing to embrace the Sixers and their collective goal: to beat L.A.
The Sixers’ season would unfortunately end in defeat, as Los Angeles prevailed once again in the NBA Finals. It didn’t take long for the Sixers to rebound, though, adding Moses Malone and cruising to a four-game sweep over Los Angeles in the 1983 championship. So the Sixers, albeit a tad late, did answer the Boston crowd’s calls.
It was an almost unprecedented show of class and unity between two bitter rivals. It was also the beginning of a ‘Beat L.A.’ chant that has stood the test of time, constantly popping back up in both the NBA and other sports leagues.