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Boston Celtics: The 25 Most Hated Opponents

By Bill Speros

Basketball: NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Bob Cousy (14) in action, layup vs St. Louis Hawks Bob Pettit (9). Boston, MA 3/30/1957--4/13/1957 CREDIT: Richard Meek (Photo by Richard Meek /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X4483 F18 )
Basketball: NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Bob Cousy (14) in action, layup vs St. Louis Hawks Bob Pettit (9). Boston, MA 3/30/1957--4/13/1957 CREDIT: Richard Meek (Photo by Richard Meek /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X4483 F18 ) /
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UNITED STATES – MAY 04: Basketball: Philadelphia 76ers Julius Erving (6) victorious, receiving plaque from Boston Celtics Larry Bird (33) during farewell ceremony before game, Boston, MA 5/4/1987 (Photo by Dick Raphael/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X34623 TK1 R2 F10)
UNITED STATES – MAY 04: Basketball: Philadelphia 76ers Julius Erving (6) victorious, receiving plaque from Boston Celtics Larry Bird (33) during farewell ceremony before game, Boston, MA 5/4/1987 (Photo by Dick Raphael/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X34623 TK1 R2 F10) /

8. The Philadelphia 76ers

When the Philadelphia 76ers got over their issues with Boston and eliminated the Celtics in the 1982 Eastern Conference finals, the fans in Boston invented the “Beat LA! Beat LA!” chant. Bound only by a mutual hatred of New York, Boston fans often saw the Sixers as an extension of the NHL Flyers. The Sixers had the flashy super-star in Dr. J, the bigger-than- life personality in Darryl Dawkins and the never-miss shooter in Andrew Toney.

The Celtics countered with the Hick From French Lick Larry Bird, the methodical Kevin McHale and the somber Chief, Robert Parish. Coach Billy Cunningham’s hot temper and constant complaining to the refs was a marked contrast to the stern, stoic ex-Marine of Bill Fitch or the methodical calm of K.C. Jones. While the 76ers eventually faded from relevancy, their brief rivalry with Boston carried all the intensity of today’s clashes with the Heat or Cavaliers.

Next: No. 7 -- Laimbeer

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