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.
The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Willis Reed.#LegendsForever pic.twitter.com/AindMB0OGb
— NBA Alumni 🏀 (@NBAalumni) March 21, 2023
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the passing of Hall of Famer Willis Reed: pic.twitter.com/eJ4OLXJ7CL
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 21, 2023
“It’s been my pleasure. The New York Knicks have meant a lot to me in my life”
— Willis Reed at his jersey retirement ceremony in 1976. RIP
pic.twitter.com/AjFNp42J9e— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 21, 2023
The Brooklyn Nets mourn the passing of former head coach and general manager Willis Reed. An NBA legend, Willis’ impact across the league spanned generations as a player, coach and executive. pic.twitter.com/3td5sTnydr
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 21, 2023
Willis Reed is a legend in every sense of the word. A humble gentleman, great player and champion. I had the honor of meeting Willis when I covered the Nets and he was the GM. An absolute joy to be around. A statue at MSG is long overdue. RIP to a New York icon. pic.twitter.com/FnDCHtkzxd
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) March 21, 2023
For my contemporaries, another part of our youth is gone. Willis Reed, quite simply, was Mickey Mantle in sneakers. The symbol of leadership and heart for the greatest Knicks teams of all. May 8, 1970 is one of the most memorable nights in NY sports history. RIP, Captain.
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) March 21, 2023
.@stephenasmith spoke on what the late Willis Reed means to Knicks fans:
"He was synonymous with championships. He was synonymous with sacrifice and doing what it took to win."
(via NBA Today) pic.twitter.com/K5SkEecNFk
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 21, 2023
For basketball fans, especially Knicks fans, who lived through the championship days, this is a tough one. Willis Reed, the leader of those great Knicks teams, gone at 80. RIP Captain.
— Mike Francesa (@MikeFrancesa) March 21, 2023
— Wilson Chandler (@wilsonchandler) March 21, 2023
Game 7, championship series, 1970 was one of the most dramatic and inspirational moments in US sports. Thank you, Willis Reed. RIP. https://t.co/4JuqnQbSvM
— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) March 21, 2023
