11.01.2018

Celtics Outrebound Moses, Philly, 64-33, in W

December 11, 1982

Celtics Outrebound Moses, Philly, 64-33, in W

Rule No. 1 seems to be: Don't draw any conclusions, particularly in December.

The Philadelphia 76ers were skywalking when they got to Boston yesterday. They had the best record in pro basketball, plus a pair of impressive victories in the last week - they beat the Lakers in LA, 114-104, Sunday and thrashed the Atlanta Hawks by 47 Wednesday.

Last night, nothing worked. The Sixers were annihilated off the glass, and (64-33) and never got closer than 14 points in the second half. They had 27 offensive rebounds against the mighty Lakers last week, but could manage only eight to Boston's 26 last night. Moses Malone, who made his NBA bones on the offensive boards, had two.

Philadelphia's rookies were totally shut off. Marc Iavaroni (who thinks Virginia will win by four tonight) went scoreless in 15 minutes and Russ Schoene was blanked in 14 minutes.

Folks here will recall that it took the Sixers two overtimes and 56 minutes from Malone to beat Boston in the Spectrum last month, but Celtic fans should know by now that a landslide over Philly means nothing. In case you've forgotten, Boston beat the Sixers by 40 in the opening game of last year's Eastern final and everyone remembers how that series wound up.

This rivalry sure has nice balance, though. Since Larry Bird arrived here three years ago, the Sixers and Celtics have met 39 times in regular and postseason play. The Sixers lead the series, 20-19.

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