Knicks icon Willis Reed is mourned by the NBA world, who recalled his legendary Game 7 heroics
Willis Reed, a two-time NBA champion with the New York Knicks, died at the age of 80 on Tuesday.
A Basketball Hall of Famer and a member of both the 50th and 75th NBA Anniversary teams, Reed is often regarded as the greatest Knicks player of all time and was named a seven-time All-Star, the 1970 NBA MVP, and a two-time NBA Finals MVP over his decade in New York.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Reed is one of only three players to win the regular season MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP in the same year.
The Knicks released a statement on Twitter paying tribute to the franchise icon:
“The Knicks organization is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Captain, Willis Reed. As we mourn, we will always strive to uphold the standards he left behind — the unmatched leadership, sacrifice and work ethic that personified him as a champion among champions. His is a legacy that will live forever. We ask everyone to please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Reed might be best known for his heroics during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers at home in New York. After a severe thigh injury and torn muscle kept Reed out of Game 6, he surprised a raucous Madison Square Garden by playing in the climactic game.
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
Reed, the Knicks’ leading scorer in the series, scored on his first two shots for his only points as the Knicks went on to win 113-99 and capture the NBA title. Reed’s resolve is often credited as inspiring his teammates and is revered as a testament to toughness in athletics.
The NBA world mourned Reed’s death and remembered some of the iconic moments of his career, including that signature Game 7.