The 76ers have a storied history that dates back over 70 years, but it has been a long time since the franchise achieved tangible success.
22 years, to be exact.
In 2001, MVP Allen Iverson and Coach of the Year Larry Brown led the Sixers on an incredible run to the NBA Finals, complete with iconic performances and moments. Philadelphia's most recent run to the Finals comes back to light with the release of NBA TV's "Everything but the Chip" documentary, which takes fans back in time.
In the 22 years since Philadelphia's run to the Finals, the franchise has had a serious run of bad luck and crushing losses.
Aside from the down years of "The Process," Philadelphia has had a number of opportunities to get over the hump. The Sixers have suffered four Game 7 losses in the Conference Semifinals since 2012, including the 2019 heartbreak at the hands of Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors, a 2021 letdown to Trae Young's Hawks and a demoralizing loss to Jayson Tatum and the Celtics in 2023.
While the Sixers will need another year to rid themselves of an unlucky past, The Sporting News takes a look back at the franchise's last major run.
MORE: Revisiting the complex relationship between Larry Brown and Allen Iverson
When was the last time the 76ers made the Conference Finals?
Philadelphia last made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2001, when Iverson led the team to a thrilling seven-game series win over Vince Carter and the Raptors in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
After eliminating Toronto, Iverson and the Sixers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they eliminated the Bucks in seven games. Philadelphia lost to Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and the Lakers in the 2001 NBA Finals.
Iverson, who led the NBA with 31.1 points per game that season, upped his scoring average to 32.9 points per game in the playoffs, including these big performances:
- 45 points in Game 2 of East First Round vs. Pacers
- 54 points in Game 2 of East Semifinals vs. Raptors
- 52 points in Game 5 of East Semifinals vs. Raptors
- 46 points in Game 6 of East Finals vs. Bucks
- 44 points in Game 7 of East Finals vs. Bucks
- 48 points in Game 1 of NBA Finals vs. Lakers
That 2000-01 Sixers team opened the season on a 10-game winning streak and finished with the East's best record at 56-26. In addition to Iverson and Brown's awards, Aaron McKie was the league's Sixth Man of the Year and Dikembe Mutombo, who was acquired midseason from the Hawks, was the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year.
MORE: Why 76ers chose Nick Nurse as new head coach
When was the last time the 76ers won the NBA Finals?
As a franchise, the Sixers have won three NBA titles, with two coming in Philadelphia. The 76ers' most recent NBA title came in 1983, when they swept Magic Johnson in the Lakers, completing one of the most dominant title runs in NBA history.
Philadelphia's other finals victory came in 1967 when Wilt Chamberlain led the team past Rick Barry and the Warriors. The franchise's first title came in 1955 when they were known as the Syracuse Nationals.
In the 40 years since their last Finals win, the Iverson-led run is the franchise's only trip to the Finals.
76ers recent playoff history
| Season | Result |
| 2022-23 | Lost East Semifinals (Celtics 4-3) |
| 2021-22 | Lost in East Semifinals (Heat 4-2) |
| 2020-21 | Lost in East Semifinals (Hawks 4-3) |
| 2019-20 | Lost in East First Round (Celtics 4-0) |
| 2018-19 | Lost in East Semifinals (Raptors 4-3) |
| 2017-18 | Lost in East Semifinals (Celtics 4-1) |
| 2016-17 | Did not qualify |
| 2015-16 | Did not qualify |
| 2014-15 | Did not qualify |
| 2013-14 | Did not qualify |
| 2012-13 | Did not qualify |
| 2011-12 | Lost in East Semifinals (Celtics 4-3) |
| 2010-11 | Lost in East First Round (Heat 4-1) |
| 2009-10 | Did not qualify |
| 2008-09 | Lost in East First Round (Magic 4-2) |
| 2007-08 | Lost in East First Round (Pistons 4-2) |
| 2006-07 | Did not qualify |
| 2005-06 | Did not qualify |
| 2004-05 | Lost in East First Round (Pistons 4-1) |
| 2003-04 | Did not qualify |
| 2002-03 | Lost in East Semifinals (Pistons 4-2) |
| 2001-02 | Lost in East First Round (Celtics 3-2) |
| 2000-01 | Lost in NBA Finals (Lakers 4-1) |
