Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Game 7s: A look at the history of a rivalry

It’s fitting that Philadelphia and Boston are facing off in a Game 7 on Sunday — no two franchises have faced each other more Game 7s than these two. This will be the ninth time in a rivalry that dates back to 1959.

It’s not just head-to-head, these teams are in a lot of Game 7s, period. The Celtics have the most Game 7 wins all-time (27) while the 76ers have the most Game 7 losses (12).

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Sunday will be a record ninth Game 7 between these franchises, with Boston leading 6-2 heading into this season. Here’s a quick look at the history of these games.

1959 Eastern Conference Finals

How long ago was this? It was the year the Barbie Doll was first released, and Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” first hit theaters. It was so long ago that the 76ers were the Syracuse Nationals.

Boston came from eight down at the half to win 130-125, behind 18 points and 32 rebounds from Bill Russell, while Bob Cousy had 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.

1965 Eastern Conference Finals

This game is legendary among Celtics faithful.

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Boston was up one with five seconds left, but Philadelphia was inbounding the ball and had a chance. Celtics Hall of Famer John Havlicek deflected the inbounds pass, leading famed Celtics radio announcer Johnny Most to yell, “Havlicek stole the ball! Havlicek stole the ball!”

Boston ran out the clock after that for the 110-109 win.

Talk about a stat line in a loss: The 76ers’ Wilt Chamberlain had 30 points and 32 rebounds on the night.

1968 Eastern Conference Finals

This series has echoes of this season, but with the roles reversed.

That season, 62-win Philadelphia was the No. 1 seed and took a commanding 3-1 series lead (despite dropping the first game at home). Then Boston stormed back to win the next two, forcing a Game 7 in Philadelphia. Under the bright lights, the 76ers struggled and shot just 35.2% (and just 55.6% on free throws), while Boston got a triple-double from Bill Russell (12 points, 26 rebounds and 10 blocks) and got the win, 100-96.

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1977 East Semi-Finals

Boston had forced a Game 7 against No. 1-seeded Philadelphia, but on the biggest stage, it was a 76ers reserve…

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Publish date : 2026-05-01 22:47:00

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