The Past of the Sixers
The team then changed their name in commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, abandoning the title of Nationals and become the 76ers.
In a move that rocked Philadelphia fans, the 76ers acquired Wilt Chamberlain in the 1964-65 seasons, capitalizing on his intense popularity from playing high school basketball. His arrival on the 76ers saw the miraculous snubbing of the Boston Celtics' eight year monopoly on Eastern Conference regular season titles. However in a dramatic seventh game, the 76ers playoff title was denied of them by the infamous 'Havlicek stole the ball!' incident.
In 1966-67, the 76ers saw a remarkable 68-13 season, which was, at the time, the best record in league history. To the shouts of 'Boston is dead', Philadelphia defeated the Celtics in a climactic five game playoff series. This was also the year of the 76ers' first NBA championship title, as they solidly defeated the Warriors over six games.
The team had its ups and downs from that point, seeing an embarrassing loss against the Celtics in the 1967-68 season despite their 3 ' 1 lead in the series. Equally calamitous was the universally condemned trade of Wilt Chamberlain to the L.A. Lakers, which seemed to mark a steady decline in 76er history.
Their malleable state was punctuated by a record setting 20 game losing streak.It wasn't until the 1975-76 season that the 76ers, with the help of George McGinnis, finally managed to claw their way back to the top.