Beloved bruiser Anthony Mason dead at 48
Anthony Mason’s game was grit over glitz, more force than flash.
That might not fit some stereotypes of New York, but it was the perfect style for the Knicks of the 1990s and made the rugged forward a beloved bruiser by teammates and fans.
Mason died Saturday morning, the Knicks said. He was 48.
Former teammate Patrick Ewing said his “heart is heavy” after learning Mason died after recent heart problems.
“Mase came to play every night and was always ready to go to battle with me every time we stepped on the court together,” Ewing said in a statement. “I will remember him for his strength, determination and perseverance.”
Mason was a defensive force who played for six NBA teams from 19892003, a popular protector of superstars like Ewing and respected by opponents who knew they were in for punishment when they lined up against his muscular frame.
“As a competitor, there was none fiercer than Anthony Mason. Standing on the opposite end of the playing field, coaching in those great Chicago-New York battles, No. 14 in the orange and blue always stood out,” said Knicks president Phil Jackson, who coached the Chicago Bulls during their many matchups against the ’90s Knicks.
Added Michael Jordan: “Mase was one of the toughest competitors of his era.”
He remained a fighter throughout his health problems, his family said in thanking fans for their prayers.
“Anthony felt each and every one. He fought like a warrior to the very end,” the Mason family said in a statement provided by the Knicks.
The Knicks held a moment of silence for Mason Saturday night before their game against the Toronto Raptors. Many former Knicks posted their thoughts about Mason on Twitter throughout what the Madison Square Garden public address announcer called a sad day for the franchise.
The Knicks have been unable to duplicate their success of the ’90s and coach Derek Fisher said Mason’s determination could serve as a guide.
“He embodied a lot of what we’re continuing to try to do here.”
Part power forward, part point forward, the 6-foot-7 Mason won the 1995 Sixth Man Award with the Knicks, later made an all-star team, and twice led the league in minutes played.