Willis Reed, who a dramatic emerged from his locker room just minutes before Game 7 in the 1970 NBA Finals , to help the New York Knicks win their first title and to create one of the most lasting examples of sports’ ability to play through pain, passed away Tuesday. He was 80.
The National Basketball Retired Players Association confirmed Reed’s death through his family. Although the cause of Reed’s death was not disclosed, he had been in poor health and could not travel to New York to honor the 50th anniversary their 1973 NBA championship team.
The Knicks tweeted a photo of Reed, taken from behind while warming up for the 1970 final. It was one of the most memorable moments in NBA history and Madison Square Garden history.
The team stated that while we are mourning, we will continue to strive for the same standards he left behind — his unmatched leadership, sacrifice, and work ethic that made him a champion among champions.” His legacy will be remembered forever.
Reed, also known as “The Captain”, was an undersized center and emotional leader for the Knicks’ two NBA championship teams. He had a soft shooting touch on the outside and a toughness that allowed him to fight with the superstars on the inside.
His achievements — seven All-Star selections and two NBA Finals MVP Awards among them — would have been worthy of Hall of Fame induction. He was the first player to win the MVP award for regular season, All-Star Game, and NBA Finals during the 1969-70 season.
His place in history was assured by his mere entry on the last night of the season.
Reed had hurt his thigh muscle during Game 5 between the Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers. He was unable to walk and fell to the court. In Game 6, Reed was forced to sit out because Wilt Chamberlain, his Lakers counterpart, had scored 45 points and grabbed 27 rebounds. This led to a game at Madison Square Garden.
Reed’s condition was not known to any of his Knicks teammates. He continued receiving treatment until just before Game 7. Reed emerged from the tunnel as both teams were warming up, with fans roaring and rising when he appeared.
Marv Albert, radio announcer, said that Willis was now “here and there”
Reed made two quick jump shots, and the Lakers stopped to observe him. After both, Reed ran down the court with a noticeable limp. The Knicks wouldn’t allow him to score again, but Reed’s return by Walt Frazier and his 36 points and 19 assists gave them the energy they needed to win 113-99 and their first NBA championship.
Although Frazier’s performance in the deciding game was outstanding, it was only a passing mention to Reed’s return. It was third in the voting for the 60 best playoff moments of the NBA in 2006. This coincided with the 60th anniversary of the NBA.
A player’s recovery from an injury is often compared to Reed. For example, Paul Pierce, Boston’s star point guard, was taken off the court with a knee injury during Game 1 of 2008 NBA Finals against Los Angeles. He quickly returned. Phil Jackson, Reed’s teammate and former Lakers coach, dismissed the notion because of Reed’s serious injury.
