The basketball world is mourning the loss of one of its greatest players, Willis Reed. The Hall of Fame center, who was a member of the New York Knicks’ two championship teams in 1970 and 1973, passed away on November 15th at the age of 80.
Reed was born in Dubach, Louisiana in 1942 and attended Grambling State University, where he was a two-time All-American. He was drafted by the Knicks in 1964 and quickly became a fan favorite. He was a seven-time All-Star and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1970. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team four times and the All-Defensive First Team twice.
Reed is best remembered for his heroic performance in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. Despite suffering a severe thigh injury in Game 5, Reed managed to make a dramatic entrance in Game 7, scoring the first two baskets of the game and inspiring his team to victory. The iconic moment is widely considered one of the greatest in NBA history.
Reed retired from the NBA in 1974 and went on to serve as a coach and executive for several teams, including the Knicks. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982 and his number 19 jersey was retired by the Knicks in 2009.
Willis Reed will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in NBA history. His legacy will live on through his inspiring play and his impact on the game. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and all who were inspired by him.
