Knicks legend Willis Reed dies
NEW YORK — Willis Reed, who dramatically emerged from the locker room minutes before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals to spark the New York Knicks to their first championship and create one of sports’ most enduring examples of playing through pain, died on Tuesday at 80. The cause of death was not released.
Reed was the undersized center (6-foot-9) and emotional leader on the Knicks’ two title teams.
His accomplishments — Rookie of the Year, seven All-star selections, two NBA Finals MVPS among them — would have warranted Hall of Fame induction by themselves. During the 1969-70 season, he became the first player to sweep the MVP awards for the regular season, All-star Game and NBA Finals. But his spot in history was secured simply by walking onto the floor on the final night of that season.
Reed had injured a thigh muscle in Game 5 against the Lakers. He sat out Game 6 in a Lakers romp that forced Game 7.
Both teams were warming up when Reed came out of the tunnel, fans rising and roaring when they saw him emerge.
Reed made two quick jump shots, running back down the court after both with a noticeable limp. He wouldn’t score again but the Knicks didn’t need it, with Walt Frazier’s 36 points and 19 assists lifting them to a 113-99 win and their first NBA title.
In 2006, to coincide with the NBA’S 60th anniversary, Reed finished third in voting of the league’s 60 greatest playoff moments.
Reed retired in 1974 after just 10 seasons, collecting more than 12,000 points and 8,400 rebounds, both still ranking in the top three on the Knicks’ career lists. His career averages were 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds.
His No. 19 was the first number retired by the Knicks and he was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1982.
Reed went on to coach the Knicks to a playoff berth in 1977-78. He also coached at Creighton and for the New Jersey Nets, where he was also senior vice president of basketball operations.