Editing Moses Malone (section)

== Championship Run ==

Malone's playoff MVP performance confirmed that his addition had been the championship's determining factor. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence overwhelmed opponents who could not match his combination of size, strength, and determination. The Finals sweep of the Lakers, the team that had defeated the 76ers the previous year, demonstrated improvement that transcended roster changes to encompass competitive intensity that previous editions had not sustained.<ref name="pluto"/>

His partnership with Erving showed how complementary stars could achieve what individual brilliance could not. Erving's perimeter artistry combined with Malone's interior force created problems that opposing teams could not solve. The division of responsibilities—Erving spectacular on the perimeter, Malone dominant inside—prevented defenses from focusing on either while ensuring that both could operate in their preferred areas.<ref name="erving"/>

The championship validated Malone's place among basketball's greatest centers while providing the franchise validation that previous near-misses had denied. The celebration that followed—the parade, the civic recognition, the permanent place in franchise history—acknowledged achievement that the team's talent had long suggested but that only Malone's addition had enabled. His brief Philadelphia tenure produced the championship that defines franchise success.<ref name="pluto"/>