Few predictions in sports history have been as bold—or as nearly accurate—as Moses Malone’s famous declaration before the 1983 NBA Playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Malone and Julius Erving, had dominated the regular season with a 65-17 record, and Malone confidently predicted they would sweep their way to an NBA championship with his now-iconic phrase: “Fo’ Fo’ Fo’.”
While the Sixers came close to fulfilling Malone’s prophecy, the Milwaukee Bucks managed to steal Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, handing Philadelphia its only postseason loss. The Sixers ultimately defeated the Bucks in five games before sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, finishing with a 12-1 playoff record—the best in NBA history at the time.
The Sixers began their postseason run by sweeping the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Against the Bucks, Malone and company faced their toughest challenge, but they prevailed in five games. In the Finals, the Sixers overwhelmed the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, securing their third NBA championship with a decisive sweep.
Although Malone’s original prediction fell just short, the Sixers embraced the near-perfect playoff run by engraving “Fo’ Fi’ Fo’” on their championship rings—a slight adjustment acknowledging the lone loss to Milwaukee.
Philadelphia’s 12-1 postseason record stood as the best in NBA history until the 2001 Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, finished their playoff run with a 15-1 record under the league’s expanded format.
The 1983 Sixers remain one of the greatest teams in NBA history, and Malone’s confident prediction continues to be one of the most memorable moments in basketball lore.
