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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Zeglinski

Knicks icon Willis Reed is mourned by the NBA world, who recalled his legendary Game 7 heroics

Willis Reed Knicks NBA Game 7 Adam Silver Basketball the New York Knicks

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.

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.

 

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