7. 1981-82 season (58-24, lost in NBA Finals)
As mentioned earlier, success is rarely sporadic. There are often indicators. Signs of success or potential leading up to an inevitable breakthrough. In 1982, just one season prior to the Sixers’ 1983 championship, Philadelphia was back in the NBA Finals.
It was a typical landmark season for Julius Erving, as the Doctor averaged 24.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists. It also highlights the consistency of Billy Cunningham as coach. In his eight seasons at the helm, Philadelphia fell short of the conference finals twice.
The Sixers were a burgeoning juggernaut, even without a Finals win to prove it. The team was consistently competitive and consistently atop the Eastern Conference, battling with Boston on a near-yearly basis.
In 1982, it was the conference finals. The Sixers jumped out to a 3-1 series lead — similar to the season prior, when Boston rallied for three straight wins. This time around, the Celtics again forced a 3-3 tie. It had serious hints of deja vu for fans.
But then, in a spell-breaking performance, the Sixers won Game 7 on the road. It was peak Boston Stangler, as Andrew Toney poured in 34 points in 43 fateful minutes. Erving pitched in with 29 points of his own.
The Lakers defeated the Sixers in the Finals, but it was a positive sign — another booming announcement of Philadelphia’s presence in the NBA title hunt. That summer, the Sixers swung a deal for MVP big man Moses Malone. We know what happened in 1983.