Back when short shorts, fros and superstars like Larry Bird and Julius Erving ruled the NBA floors, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers met in a Game 7. The year was 1982 and the Celtics were defending champions.
It was a tough series dominated by high scoring games. After the Celtics took Game 1, 121-81, the Sixers won three straight games, pinning the Celtics against the wall.
Game 3 was the closest game in the series. With the series tied one all, the Sixers took a 10-point, 80-70 lead into the fourth quarter. The Celtics attempted a comeback, but felt short, as the Sixers escaped with a 99-97 victory in front of their home crowd.
Bird led his Celtics back, with victories in Game 5 and 6. Then finally, the Sixers put their foot down in Game 7, defeating Boston 120-106.
The Sixers went on to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1982 NBA Championship. A series they lost 4-2. The Celtics were sent home packing, but returned to the NBA Finals in 1984 and defeated the Lakers in another seven game series.
Unfortunately for the present Boston Celtics team, they do not have the luxury of losing. With their big three aging, they have to seize the opportunity and play their best while they are still playoff contenders.
The Sixers are still a fairly young team and Doug Collins has been doing a great job with his players. As the 8th seed in the East, they already bounced the best team in their conference, the Chicago Bulls, in the first round and are now looking to get passed their division rivals.
The Celtics will have enough rest. With their home crowd behind them, this experienced team should be able to play well. The Sixers carry momentum into Boston, but their youth might be a factor in this Game 7.
