The 1988-89 NBA season was the 76ers 40th season in the NBA and 26th season in Philadelphia. In the 1988 Draft, the team selected forward Charles Smith, then was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers for shooting guard Hersey Hawkins from Bradley University, as the team needed more backcourt scoring to compliment the inside play of Charles Barkley.

The Sixers would return to the NBA Playoffs after missing out in 1988, going 46-36 in the regular season. In the post season they lost a first round series to the New York Knicks 3-0. The second game was of note because the team blew a 10-point lead with approximately 2 minutes left in the game, Trent Tucker's three point shot with less than 10 seconds left gave New York the win.

(2) New York Knicks vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers: Knicks win series 3-0

Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 Eastern Conference Semifinals (Philadelphia won 4-0)

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