The Boston Strangler. Dr. J and Bird. Beat LA. Wilt and Russell.

No, this Boston Strangler isn’t a reference to Tony Curtis - who starred in the lead role of the movie in 1968.

Instead, it was one of the recognizable references to the 76ers-Celtics playoff series that has been a landmark to the NBA that began in the 1949-50 season, and truly gained steam in the 1960s and 70s.

The current series between the two teams appears to be headed toward a true “barn burner” with the return of the Sixers’ Joel Embiid.

In this week’s version of my Yesterday column - a reminiscing of sports and pop culture in the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s and sometimes beyond - I will take a look at the Sixers-Celtics series, as well as some relative events and memories to the month.

Also, who was Slugging Sam, and did you picnic at the Vet?

Remember That Boston Garden Parquet Floor ... Growing up, it was a treat to watch a Celtics’ game televised from Boston to see their famous parquet floor.

Back in 1982, Sixer guard Andrew Toney was nicknamed “The Boston Strangler” by the Boston media for his offensive assault on the Celtics. Toney gained his reputation by scoring 25 points against the Celtics in the fourth quarter of a March playoff game. He also scored 33 points in Game Seven of the ‘82 finals - which was the famous “Beat LA” game when Garden fans wished the Sixers well.

With Toney’s knack to excel against the Celtics, Boston management reportedly acquired Dennis Johnson to try and silence Toney. Johnson basically did, and he also helped them to two titles in 1984 and ‘86.

Awaken the Giants ... When the Sixers acquired Julius Erving before the 1977 season, they became an instant contender in the East. In Erving’s first season, the Sixers eliminated the defending champion Boston Celtics in a tough seven-game Eastern semifinals in 1977. Boston slumped for the next two seasons and in 1978, the Celtics countered the Erving signing by drafting Indiana State forward Larry Bird. Bird didn’t join the team until the 1979-80 campaign, but he delivered immediate results. The Sixers beat the Celtics in five games in the Eastern finals, but they failed to win the title against the Lakers.

From there, the rivalry between Dr. J. and the Sixers and Bird accelerated, and the two teams were considered to be the league’s elite. A classic finish occurred in ‘81 when the Celtics came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the East final.

In a 1983 exhibition game between the two teams, there were fights between Moses Malone and Cedric Maxwell, Bird and Marc Ivaroni, and Gerald Henderson and Sedale Threatt. Bird also ripped head coach Billy Cunningham’s jacket. Celtics’ legendary figure Red Auerbach came down from the stands to restore order.

Two years later, you may recall the Erving-Bird fight in which Bird tried to choke Dr. J. It was early in the season, and both teams were undefeated. After a few players became tangled, it didn’t take long before a melee broke out.

Those Were the Days ... Before the rabid rivalry between the two clubs in the late 70s and the 80s, there were showdowns between Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell - which many of the old-timers will remember. It was a bit before my time.

From 1965 - the year the Sixers acquired Wilt - through ‘68, the teams met in the Eastern Conference finals, with Boston winning three of the four years. Wilt led the Sixers to the ‘67 title, before he was traded to LA. Behind Russell, Boston won titles in ‘65, ‘66, ‘68, and ‘69.

I always thought Chamberlain and Russell were underrated, as both big men truly changed the game.

By the way, Boston leads the overall postseason series by a 63-49 margin.

Keep your change ... Back in the 60s and 70s, we all kept our loose change at one time in those plastic change keepers.

They were multi-colored, and opened when you squeezed the sides to open the slot in the middle. In reality, they were quite effective, and small enough to keep in your pocket. If you dropped it, they were easy to spot.

Cinco de Mayo ... With today being Cinco de Mayo, I would be remiss without a reference or two.

Frozen margaritas rose in popularity in the 1950s, and by the 1970s, the margarita surpassed the martini as the most popular American cocktail.

In 1971, inspired by the 7-Eleven Slurpee machine, two men adapted a soft-serve ice-cream machine to make margarita “slush.” After 34 years of service, it was retired to the Smithsonian.

As far as ex-Phillies born in Mexico, Ruben Amaro Sr. played in the 60s with the pinstripes. Left-handed reliever/starter Sid Monge (remember him) had a stint from 1982-83, and Fernando Valenzuela had a one-year stay in 1994.

Going On A Picnic ... Who remembers the picnic area at Veterans Stadium in its early years after its 1971 opening?

It was down the right field line, slightly behind first base. The original name was “Picnic Patio,” and availability was at a premium. I remember being there at least once, and it was a treat.

Back then, it was considered to be one of the amenities to the new trend of ballparks that opened in the early 70s.

Another Classic Game ... Anyone remember “Sandlot Slugger?”

It came onto the market in 1968, and was a product of legendary game maker Milton Bradley. Back then, it seemed like every game was invented by them.

This was a game that could be played indoors and outdoors. Slugging Sam, the mechanical batter, actually hits the ball. The player “at bat” can make Sam hit a high fly, medium fly or a line drive in any direction. The height of the fly is secretly changed by adjusting the ball holder, and the direction changed by turning the batting platform.

The object of the game was to hit the ball so that it cannot be caught in the air by the players in the field. This allows the player at bat to move his runners around the bases and score runs.

Memory Lane ... Every week, I’ll look back at a former player, coach, manager, or media member who was part of our yesterday.

Do you remember Mark McNamara? The 6-11 backup center was the Sixers’ top pick in the 1982 draft and played three seasons overall in Philly, averaging 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 89 games. McNamara played for five teams in nine seasons and averaged 3.0 points and 1.5 rebounds for his career.

He passed away of heart failure in 2020 at the age of 60 after he battled health issues for years.

Your comments, thoughts, and ideas are always welcomed at tnsports@tnoline.com