Philadelphia 76ers: 5 most heartbreaking playoff losses in franchise history
By Uriah Young
2. 1986 Eastern Conference Semifinals — 76ers vs. Bucks, Game 7
The Philadelphia 76ers had the Milwaukee Bucks’ number in the early 80s. Milwaukee had been eliminated in the playoffs by Dr. J’s squad four out of the previous five seasons. To make it worse for the Bucks, one of their key players, Sidney Moncrief was fighting a bad foot injury. Meanwhile, the Sixers had a burgeoning young stud in Charles Barkley, playing like he took the torch from Julius Erving as leader. The only saving grace was that the Bucks held homecourt advantage, and game seven would be played in Milwaukee.
The game went back-and-forth, and Sidney Moncrief played courageously through pain, while Barkley was virtually nonexistent in the first half. Fast forward to the final quarter, it was one for the ages. The game was close to the very last second. With the score 112-113, the Sixers took the ball out of bounds down by one. A winning shot would propel them to the next round to play their rival, the Boston Celtics.
The inbound pass went to Sedale Threatt, who pump faked and passed to Dr. J. near the foul line. He rose up and took a wide open jumpshot. The ball bounced off the rim. Barkley dove on the floor for the loose ball, but time had expired. Milwaukee advanced, and the Sixers went home with one of the most disappointing endings to a season for the red, white, and blue.