Legendary NBA Rivalries: A Decade-by-Decade Journey (1960s)
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Legendary NBA Rivalries: A Decade-by-Decade Journey (1960s)
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Look, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers played in six NBA Finals in this decade alone, and these two teams were clearly the best TEAMS of the 60s. However, the Celtics were dominant, winning all six NBA championships when these franchises faced off. For the purposes of this article, it’s all about the rivalry between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.
The NBA returned to Philadelphia in 1963, one year after the Philadelphia Warriors franchise left for San Francisco in 1962. The new 76ers franchise soon made a franchise-altering trade, bringing in Chamberlain, who had previously played in Philadelphia with the Warriors. Throughout the 1960s, the Celtics and 76ers clashed in a series of high-stakes encounters and was also one of the most intense and defining rivalries in NBA history. The 76ers aimed to dethrone the seemingly perennial champion Celtics. Their rivalry was marked by intense playoff battles, significant strategic matchups, and the personal rivalry between Russell and Chamberlain. This rivalry symbolized a broader battle over who would control the NBA throne.
Key Players
Boston Celtics
Bill Russell: One of the greatest defensive players and leaders in NBA history, Russell's presence in the paint and clutch performances defined the Celtics' strategies. He was a mind-blowing 11-time NBA champion and 5-time MVP.
Career Averages: 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG
Best Statistical Season (1961-1962, MVP): 18.9 PPG, 23.6 RPG, 4.5 APG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Rudy Gobert
· Russell was an efficient scorer, but it was his stellar rebounding and defense that made him truly special. He was a special leader and had the ability to elevate his teammates without having to be the go-to option on offense.
John Havlicek: A versatile forward known for his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and clutch play, contributing significantly to the Celtics’ sustained success. Havlicek’s best statistical output began in the late 60s and continued into the early 70s.
Career Averages: 20.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG
Best Statistical Season (1970-1971, MVP – 6th, NBA 1st Team,): 28.9 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 7.5 APG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: LeBron James, Luka Dončić
· Havlicek was an all-around talent who filled the stat sheet in the three major categories.
Philadelphia 76ers (formerly the Syracuse Nationals until 1963):
Wilt Chamberlain: A dominant center known for his scoring, rebounding, and ability to impact games with sheer athletic prowess. Chamberlain's arrival in Philadelphia added a new dimension to the rivalry.
Career Averages: 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG
Best Statistical Season (1961-1962, MVP – 2nd, Scoring Champ): 50.4 PPG, 25.7 RPG, 2.4 APG
Modern Fantasy Comparison: Joel Embiid
· It’s difficult to compare Chamberlain’s absurd scoring and rebounding stats to today’s game, but I think Embiid is as fair of a comparison as there is.
Dynamics and Competitive Nature
Chamberlain and Russell first squared off on November 7, 1959, in a highly anticipated matchup that had been sold out for months. The following day, the New York Times reported, “Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain played each other to a standstill last night. Boston had the best of the rest, and the Celtics scored their sixth-straight NBA victory, 115-106, over the Philadelphia Warriors. It was Philadelphia’s first loss in league play, they had won three games. Chamberlain and Russell played the entire 48 minutes and appeared to be tiring badly in the late stages. Chamberlain outscored Russell, 30-22, but it was his lowest point production of the season. Russell, at 6-feet-10 and the acknowledged defensive standout of the league, outrebounded Chamberlain, 35–30. In all, their performances were about even, with Wilt showing better on offense and Russell better on defense.”
The rivalry gained immense traction as the Celtics and 76ers frequently found themselves clashing for Eastern Conference supremacy. Their head-to-head battles grew legendary, often determining who would advance to the NBA Finals.
The animosity and competition were fueled by contrasting styles and philosophies:
The Celtics, under coach Red Auerbach, were known for their team-oriented play, stifling defense, and poise in clutch moments.
In contrast, the 76ers were built around Chamberlain's extraordinary individual talents and their ability to score in bunches.
In the end, Russell would hold a 57-37 regular season advantage in head-to-head games and a 29-20 advantage in the playoffs.
Notable Encounters
Boston and Philadelphia (Syracuse) would meet in the Eastern Division Finals five times and the Eastern Division Semifinals once in this decade alone, with the Celtics coming out on top all but once in these head-to-head matchups.
1965 Eastern Division Finals: Perhaps the most famous encounter, this series featured the iconic moment known as “Havlicek stole the ball!” It occurred in Game 7 when John Havlicek's steal in the final seconds prevented the 76ers from scoring and secured a Celtics victory and a trip to the NBA Finals.
1967 Eastern Division Finals: The 76ers, finally overcoming the Celtics' dominance, ended Boston's run of consecutive championships by defeating them in five games. Wilt Chamberlain, now surrounded by talented teammates like Hal Greer and Billy Cunningham, led his team to the NBA title this season, marking a turning point in the rivalry.
Legacy and Influence
The rivalry between the Celtics and 76ers of the 1960s is remembered for its intensity, high-stakes games, and the personal battle between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. Russell's Celtics often emerged victorious, reflecting the efficacy of a strong team philosophy over individual brilliance.
This rivalry is significant because it exemplified the transition of the NBA into a more team-oriented, strategic league. It showcased legendary performances and tactical basketball, influencing future generations and setting a standard for playoff toughness and excellence.
The iconic duels between Russell and Chamberlain remain some of the most discussed and analyzed matchups in sports history, illustrating a clash of titans with different strengths and styles. This rivalry helped to cement the legacies of both the Celtics and 76ers as storied franchises in NBA history.
John Fritz - Bleav in Fantasy
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Robbin Marx
NBA Fantasy Analyst
Experience: NBC Sports - Rotoworld, HashTag Basketball, Bleav Network
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