For younger fans, the rivalry between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics doesn't exist.But, older followers of The Association know better and if you grew up as a Sixers or Celtics loyalist in the 1960s or 80s, you were a part of the greatest rivalry in sports.If you think the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees' enmity is intense now -- you would have been captivated by the Sixers and Celtics. You see, comparing anything to Wilt's Sixers versus Russell's Celtics or Dr. J with his hands around Larry Bird's throat would be like saying Mayweather-Cotto was the equal of Ali-Frazier.The Sixers and Celtics had it all -- history, passion, hate, envy and perhaps what fuels a rivalry most -- similar talent on both sides.
That storied conflict will be renewed in the Eastern Conference semifinals when the two Atlantic Division combatants square off.Boston, the No. 4 seed which has won five straight Atlantic crowns since bringing in future Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to team with Paul Pierce, punched its ticket to the semis by jettisoning fifth-seeded Atlanta in six games.Garnett swished a turnaround jumper with 30.4 seconds remaining to put the Celtics in front during the clincher and they held on from there for a dramatic 83-80 victory at TD Garden."Anytime you go through a series and you're able to come on top, that's always a plus," Garnett said. "Sure now we'll relax and enjoy this a little bit and then get back to work tomorrow, but yeah, it feels good."The Sixers, meanwhile, also advanced in six games, becoming just the fifth eight-seed in NBA history to dispose of a No. 1 by taking out the injury- plagued Chicago Bulls.The embattled Andre Iguodala drained two free throws with 2.2 seconds to play in Game 6 to lift Philadelphia in a thrilling 79-78 win.
Philadelphia vs Boston
Conference Semifinals
Date : Mon, May 21,2012.
Time : 7:00 pm
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