Sixers-Celtics: A Rivalry Reborn?

In the last month or so of the NBA Regular Season, if I said the Sixers would make the playoffs, not too many people would believe me. If I said the Sixers would make it past the first round, that would probably be the last time anyone ever listened to me.


Well both events came true, with a little help from the Injury God. The Sixers were set to the Chicago Bulls. In Game 1, Derrick Rose went down in the last minute of the game with a Torn ACL. In Game 3, Joakim Noah went down with a sprained ankle. The window of opportunity opened for the Sixers, and they took advantage.


They downed the Bulls 4-2, with Game 6 won in thrilling fashion. It was as equally shocking as it was exciting; the last time the Sixers won a playoff series, John Stockton and Karl Malone were still balling in Utah.


The year was 2003, but that makes it feel a lot longer, doesn't it?


Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics were beating the Atlanta Hawks up and down the East Coast, stealing Games 2-4, before putting them away back in Boston. 


Now, the Sixers and Celtics are set to collide in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Two teams that did battle in the 1980s, now lopsided in the Celtics favor.


Here is the schedule for the Second Round games:

GAME	DATE	CITY	TIME	TV	RADIO
Game 1	Sat., May 12	Boston	8:00 p.m.	TNT	97.5 The Fanatic / 950 ESPN
Game 2	Mon., May 14	Boston	7:00 p.m.	TNT	97.5 The Fanatic / 950 ESPN
Game 3	Wed., May 16	Philadelphia	7:00 p.m.	TNT	97.5 The Fanatic / 950 ESPN
Game 4	Fri., May 18	Philadelphia	TBD	ESPN	97.5 The Fanatic / 950 ESPN
*Game 5	Mon., May 21	Boston	TBD	TNT	97.5 The Fanatic
*Game 6	Wed., May 23	Philadelphia	TBD	ESPN	97.5 The Fanatic
*Game 7	Sat., May 26	Boston	TBD	TBD	97.5 The Fanatic

The Sixers have not beat the Celtics in the Playoffs since 1982. If you can recall, the Sixers won the NBA Championship that year, with Julius Erving, Bobby Jones, Mo Cheeks, Moses Malone, and the "Boston Strangler" Andrew Toney. In '85, the Celtics blew out the Sixers 4-1. 2002 was the last time the two faced in May, with the Celtics winning 3-2. 


Now, the Sixers and Celtics have the ability to restore what was once a very hostile rivalry.


In the Regular Season, the Sixers won 2 of 3, with their statement victory coming March 7th at home, where the Sixers won 103-71. 


The key to that victory (and this series): Evan Turner. In 36 minutes, Turner was 11-19 from the floor, with 26 points on the night. In a Sophomore season that has been up and down, that game was one of his defining moments. 


What made Turner so effective? He had the ball in his hands. All night. Turner's biggest criticism in his short NBA career is his inability to play off the ball. That can be a massive negative, if Coach Doug Collins allows it to be. 


Turner needs to start the game handling the ball, with Jrue Holiday essentially moving to the 2 spot. 


Also on the Offensive side of the ball, the Sixers need to lay the 3 point shooting to rest. They shot 24.7% against the Bulls. The only team who shot worse in the Playoffs was the Utah Jazz. Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams especially wasted too many opportunities by chucking up horrific three point attempts. They need to drive to the hoop and force the Boston big men to foul them.


It is no secret that Rajon Rondo is the reason Boston's Offense is so effective. His crafty passing and ability to get to the hoop cause all sorts of trouble for opposing defenses. But shutdown Rondo, and you take out a large part of the Celtics. To keep him quiet, Holiday and the Sixers must keep him around the perimeter. What Rajon Rondo loves to do (and does so well) is drive and dish. He causes the man down low to play him, and in turn Rondo  dishes to Kevin Garnett down low. Keep him up top, and he can be beat.


Prediction: Sixers in 6 Games


I've lost my mind, I know. Beating Chicago in the First Round was extraordinary for the not only the Sixers Organization, but the players as well. Guys like Iguodala, Elton Brand, and Lou Williams who have been with the team for several years finally got the taste of Playoff victory. They don't want it to end now. 


Yes, Boston has the Playoff experience with Pierce, Allen, and Kevin Garnett. But the Sixers have what it takes to bring down a bunch of savvy veterans: Pure speed. This Philadelphia team gets out and runs the floor like nobody else in the NBA. Their fast break game will be key to a successful run past the Boston Celtics.