New York Knicks legend Willis Reed has passed away at the age of 80, leaving NBA fans across the globe in mourning. Reed was a key figure in the Knicks' success during the 1960s and 1970s, leading the team to two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.
Born in Hico, Louisiana, in 1942, Reed was a standout player at Grambling State University before being drafted by the Knicks in 1964. Over the course of his career, Reed earned numerous accolades, including seven All-Star selections, an NBA MVP award in 1970, and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982.
Reed was renowned for his toughness and leadership on the court, famously playing through injury in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a torn thigh muscle, Reed scored the game's first two baskets and inspired his team to a 113-99 victory, securing the Knicks' first-ever championship.
Reed's impact on the Knicks and the NBA as a whole was immeasurable, as he helped usher in a new era of success for the league. His legacy lives on in the countless players and fans he inspired, and his name will forever be etched in basketball history.
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the NBA community, with many current and former players expressing their condolences on social media. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement, saying "Willis Reed was a true giant of our sport, and his impact on the NBA will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who knew him and loved him."
Reed's memory will undoubtedly continue to be honored by the Knicks and the NBA, as his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Willis Reed.
Here are some of the fans' reactions after knowing Willis Reed's death:
Willis Reed has passed away at the age of 80. A gentle giant. A huge loss for the NBA family.
Rest easy, Willis… pic.twitter.com/g2NlBtXfSG— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) March 21, 2023
Rest in peace to the great Willis Reed.
— BrunsonMuse (@BrunsonMuse) March 21, 2023
2x NBA Champion
2x Finals MVP
NBA League MVP (1970)
7x All Star
All Star Game MVP
1x All NBA First Team
1x All Defensive First Team
4x All NBA Second Team
Rookie of the Year
NBA 50th & 75th Anniversary Team
A true legend. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/o28XUzHPGY
There have been greater players than Willis Reed.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 21, 2023
There has never been a greater leader.
Rest in peace, Captain.
Fans of the #Knicks will love you until the end of time. pic.twitter.com/7lNNI1y0eG
“I just want to say that I’m so proud I was a member of the championship team in the best city in the world with the best fans in the world”
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 21, 2023
—Willis Reed last month in a video message played at Madison Square Garden during the 1973 Knicks championship 50th anniversary event. RIP pic.twitter.com/LFTKJNxAPA
Super Sky Point to Willis Reed, the first player, and one of only a dozen all-time, to win multiple NBA Finals MVP Awards. One of the most skilled practitioners of basketball badassery. #RIP pic.twitter.com/jyQBCquaTF
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) March 21, 2023
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