Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
The Boston Celtics have clinched the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They have 11 games left to play. It's the 3rd time since 1988 they've done it (2008, 2017). The Celtics were the top seed in the East eight times in nine years from 1980-88.
That is cool. The 1983 76ers must be the one year they weren't the top seed.
I am surprised they were the top seed every year. The 76ers had some 60 win teams during that period. So did the Bucks. The Pistons were just getting started in 1988.
So I looked it up, Philly had 59 wins in 1980 and 62 wins in 1981. Boston was tied at 62 wins that year in 1981. They must have had the tie-breaker whatever that was. Philly had a better scoring margin. Philly had a 58 win season in 1982 when they made the finals. Then 65 wins in 1983 with Moses. A disappointing 52 wins the next year with 58 wins in 1985. 54 wins in 1986. Then they trade Moses and start the Barkley with no help years.
Milwaukee had 60 wins in 1981. That Bob Lanier and Marques Johnson team. Moncrief was just getting started. 14ppg 5rpg 3apg. That team was awesome. So deep on the wings. Three lower years at 55 wins, 51 wins and 50 wins. Back up to 59 wins in 1985 and 57 wins in 1986 after Terry Cumming joins and Paul Pressey becomes part of their core. 50 wins in 1987. I am surprised. I thought they had a 60 win team with Sikma. I suppose 59 wins is close enough!
Detroit had 52 wins in 1987 and 54 wins in 1988 before topping at 63 wins and 59 wins in 1989 and 1990 breaking Boston's grasp on the East.
So Boston went for 61 wins in 1980, 62 wins (tied) in 1981, 63 wins in 1982, only 56 wins in the 76ers big year in 1983, 62 wins in 1984, 63 wins in 1985, 67 wins in 1986, 59 wins in 1987, 57 wins in 1988. Then Bird gets hurt. Misses a season. Never the same again.
Still bounce back as a 52 win, 56 win and 51 win over Bird's final 3 years.
So they had 6 out of 7 seasons with 60+ wins from 1980 to 1986 and 59 wins in the 8th year. The final year slowing down to 57 wins. Heck of a run.