Willis Reed, Legend Of The New York Knicks And NBA, Died At The Age Of 80

Willis Reed, a legend of the New York Knicks and the architect of the team’s sole two titles, passed away at the age of 80.

The Knicks franchise issued the following statement:

The loss of our cherished Captain, Willis Reed, is announced with great sadness by the Knicks organization. We will continue to work to uphold the standards he left behind, including the unmatched leadership, selflessness, and work ethic that typified him as a winner among champions, even as we grieve. His influence will endure eternally. Please respect the family’s privacy during this trying time, we urge everyone.

Reed played in the NBA for ten years, earning the MVP in 1970 and the Rookie of the Year Award in 1965. He was a five-time All-NBA selection and was selected seven times for the All-Star tournament. On May 8, 1970, he had his big break during a contest.

After missing Game 6 due to a thigh injury, Reed guided the Knicks into a Game 7 matchup against Wilt Chamberlain and the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden. The audience gasped as Reed emerged from the tunnel while a broadcasting legend announced “Here comes Willis” for the call. The team, including Hall of Fame teammate Walt “Clyde” Frazier, who dropped 36 points and 19 assists to deliver the first championship to New York City, received a boost from Reed’s first two baskets in the game.

“Willis Reed was a natural leader and the consummate team member. Willis embodied the winning spirit that characterized the New York Knicks’ championship teams in the early 1970s, and watching him is one of my earliest and favorite NBA basketball recollections, according to NBA commissioner Adam Silver. He demonstrated extraordinary passion and tenacity while playing, and his stirring comeback in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals is still regarded as one of the most famous sporting events ever.

Willis Reed, Legend Of The New York Knicks And NBA, Died At The Age Of 80

Willis Reed, a legend of the New York Knicks and the architect of the team’s sole two titles, passed away at the age of 80.

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