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A view of the scoreboard as the Brooklyn Nets mourn the death of former NBA player Willis Reed before the game between the Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Barclays Center. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK-Hall of Famer Willis Reed, a beloved former New York Knicks player who won two championships, died at age 80, the National Basketball Association of Retired Players announced Tuesday.
The seven-time All-Star spent a decade with the Knicks, where he famously took the court in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers despite suffering a leg injury earlier.
He barely played, but his heroic effort sent the crowd at Madison Square Garden into raptures, as he inspired his teammates to a 113-99 victory and entered the pantheon of New York City sportsmen.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the death of Willis Reed: pic.twitter.com/v7os6f5v86
— NBA (@NBA) March 21, 2023
“As we grieve, we will always strive to live up to the standards we left behind,” the Knicks said in a statement. “His unparalleled leadership, sacrifice and work ethic make him a champion among champions.
“His is a legacy that will live on forever.”
Reed became the first to earn regular season MVP, Finals MVP and All-Star MVP awards in one season in 1970, before leading the Knicks to a second championship in 1973.
Beloved by fans and known as “The Captain”, he retired in 1974, averaging 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, and became the first player for the Knicks to have his jersey retired by the team.
“My earliest and fondest memories of NBA basketball are watching Willis, who had the winning spirit that defined the New York Knicks’ championship teams in the early 1970s,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“He played the game with tremendous passion and determination, and his comeback in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the greatest moments in all of sports.”
Reed returned to the Knicks to coach the team in the 1977-78 season. He later became the coach of the New Jersey Nets.
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