In March of 2023, the NBA world received sad news, when it was revealed that NBA legend Willis Reed has passed away at age 80.
Reed, who played for the New York Knicks for his entire career is considered to be one of the greatest Knicks of all-time. He was known for his tough, physical style of play and his leadership on and off the court. Reed was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA Champion, and in 1970, he became the first player in NBA history to be named the NBA All-Star Game MVP, the NBA regular season MVP, and the NBA Finals MVP in the same season.
Reed’s career was defined by his incredible determination and resilience. He overcame numerous injuries and setbacks throughout his career – Reed’s most legendary moment came during the 1970 NBA Finals,.
It included a torn thigh muscle that he suffered during the Finals, and that kept him out for Game 6. Despite the injury, Reed famously limped onto the court for Game 7, exactly 54 years ago today, and scored the first two baskets of the game, inspiring his teammates and leading the Knicks to a championship victory. Let’s revisit these incredible moments.
Game 7. 1970 NBA Finals. Willis Reed’s status to play was unclear. And then…
“Six-feet-ten from Grambling, the captain of the Knicks, the Most Valuable Player of the NBA.”
One of the great moments in NBA history.
RIP to The Captain. pic.twitter.com/5aXvESZZQO
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 21, 2023
