Celtics & Sixers Locked in Another Struggle for the Atlantic
The Celtics have finished ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers in four of five seasons during the Larry Bird era.
The Atlantic Division rivals are locked in another duel to the death this year. Boston leads the Sixers by a half-game, but Philly can tie for first with a win in Milwaukee tonight. The Celtics and 76ers have not been separated by more than a game and a half since Dec. 18.
First place means more than ever to the Celtics this year. Here's why:
1. First-Round Factor - If the playoffs started today, the first-place Celtics would play the Atlanta Hawks in a best-of-five opening-round series, while the Sixers would play New Jersey. Central Division leader Milwaukee would get Chicago, and Washington would play Detroit. Some of these positions could shift between now and April 14, but Atlanta appears locked into the eighth and final spot, and that amounts to a first-round bye if the Celtics can hold on to the top spot. The Celtics are a remarkable 18-2 against Atlanta in regular-season play over the last four years. A first-place Celtic finish also will force the Sixers into a battle with New Jersey, Chicago or Washington. The Nets bounced the Sixers in a five-game set last spring.
2. Home-Court Factor - The winner of the Atlantic will have the best record in the NBA, which means the home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Home court has been the only significant difference between the Celtics and Sixers thus far this year. Boston has twice beaten Philly decisively in the Garden, but the Sixers have won both games in the Spectrum.
3. Pride/Psychological Advantage - The winner of the first-place chase carries some extra momentum into the postseason. This can be overrated, however. The Celtics had a better regular-season record than Philly in 1979-80 and 1981-82 but lost playoff series to the Sixers.
4. Money - Capturing the league's best record and the top conference mark was worth an extra $100,000 to the Celtics last year.
Getting the Hawks in the first round might be the most significant reward. Captain Larry Bird discounts the home-court advantage in the postseason, but admits, "We play better at Atlanta than we do in those other three places (Jersey, Chicago, Washington).
Coach K.C. Jones thinks the chase helps keep the Celtics sharp.
"The pride of finishing first makes it important," says Jones. "We want it bad, but so do a lot of other teams. I'm sitting there, looking at the column every day, but I know that the only way we can stay on top is to come out and play 'em one by one. It means winning each game and going from there."
"It would be nice," adds Bird. "But I don't think it's a do-or-die issue. Even if we don't finish first, we'll still have the home-court advantage against everybody except Philly, and I don't think the home court is as important when we play Philly in the playoffs.
"I think the pride thing comes in, anyway. You always want to be first no matter what you do. Philadelphia is a great basketball team, but we want to beat 'em."
"It helps us keep our drive," says Dennis Johnson. "It's something we've worked for all year, so, yeah, it's important."
If Philly wins tonight, the Celtics and Sixers will be tied for first, but the Sixers will have an edge with a 32-3 Eastern Conference mark. Boston is 30-4.
Jones doesn't see Boston's acquisition of Ray Williams as a poor reflection on the backup guards. "We've got two rookies, counting Carlos (Clark)," said Jones. "Quinn (Buckner) is a defensive specialist. If Danny (Ainge) or Dennis (Johnson) gets hurt, we're going to be hurting, but it's not a question of being disappointed with the people we have."
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