Boston/Philadelphia NBA Semis, Bill Russell/Wilt Chamberlain
I have stated before, the greatest Boston vs Philadelphia sports action occurred in NBA semi-final battles, between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers and also Celts/PhiladelphiaWarriors.
The great Celtics, with 17 titles, including an astounding 11 in 13 seasons from (’57-’69), often rode the “semi road,” through Philadelphia, to NBA crowns, doing so 6 times (1960, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1968 and 1981). Additionally, Boston “semi’d” the Syracuse Nationals, who became the current Philadelphia 76ers, in 3 consecutive “odd year semis,” in ’57, ’59 and ’61.
Philadelphia, with 4 titles (2 each won by the Warriors and 76ers), only rode the “semi-road” through Boston once, however, it was a dominant (68-13) “reg” and (3-1, 4-1 vs the Celtics and 4-2 vs the by then San Francisco, now Golden State Warriors and the great Rick Barry and Nate Thurmond in the ‘offs) ’66-’67 team, that did so.
Nothing symbolizes the rivalry more than Bill Russell and Boston vs Wilton Norman Chamberlain and Philadelphia.
In tribute to Bill, Wilt and the great players in an, if not THE, sports rivalry, I will link you to previous posts regarding this great subject/debate.
Nothing like it, before or since, Bill Russell pictured above on the left and Wilt Chamberlain on the right.
Andy B Sports 