Sixers break four-decade taboo in NBA playoffs

Comebacks after a 3-1 deficit in decisive NBA series are rare, but they happen — and the Philadelphia 76ers were involved in one of them. Last Saturday (2), the team won game 7 by 109 to 100 and eliminated the Boston Celtics, away from home. The result not only guaranteed classification, but also ended a fast that had lasted since 1982, marking a historic moment for the franchise.

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Despite being left out of the playoff race last season, the Sixers had been building a solid trajectory in the early stages since 2018. Still, the scenario changed when the opponent was the Celtics, especially given the recent history between the teams. Led by Joel Embiid, the team needed to overcome not only its rival, but also the weight of this record to advance.

The Boston team, in turn, has established itself over the years as a true tormentor of the Sixers in direct postseason confrontations. For four decades, Philadelphia has been unable to overcome the Celtics in playoff series, regardless of the stage. The recent victory, therefore, gains even more relevance by breaking this writing

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NBA quarterfinals almost defined

Three of the four conference semifinal series have already been decided. After the elimination of the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers secured a place and will face the New York Knicks in the East. The other conference clash still depends on the outcomes between Detroit Pistons x Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers x Toronto Raptors.

In the West, the scenario has already been set. The Oklahoma City Thunder face the Los Angeles Lakers, while the San Antonio Spurs face the Minnesota Timberwolves, in duels that pit strong regular season campaigns against experienced squads.

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