Reed began his career with the New York Knicks in 1964, and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the NBA. He was a tenacious rebounder and a reliable scorer, averaging over 20 points per game in each of his first three seasons. He was also a strong defender, and was named to the All-Defensive Team in each of his first five seasons.
Reed's greatest moment came in 1970, when he famously limped onto the court for Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a severe thigh injury, Reed scored the first two baskets of the game, inspiring his teammates to a 113-99 victory and the Knicks' first NBA championship.
Reed was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1970, and was a key member of the Knicks' second championship team in 1973. He retired in 1974, but returned to the Knicks in 1976 as the team's head coach. He coached the Knicks for two seasons, leading them to the playoffs both times.
Reed was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982, and his number 19 jersey was retired by the Knicks in 2009. He remains one of the most beloved figures in Knicks history, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure.
🏀
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Willis Reed BiographyF i l t e r & S o r t Filter & Sort
On April 8, 1973, the Baltimore Bullets faced the New York Knicks in Game 5...
NBA Playoffs Game 5 - Baltimore Bullets vs New York Knicks - Radio Broadcast / On April 8, 1973, the Baltimore Bullets faced the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the NBA Semi-Finals, a pivotal matchup in the series. The season had been charged with intense competition, and both teams arrived at this game with a lot to prove. The Bullets, led by their tenacious defense and dynamic scoring, were determined to assert their dominance and shift the series momentum in their favor. On the other side, the Knicks, known for their cohesive team play and strategic prowess, aimed to capitalize on their home court advantage at Madison Square Garden to edge closer to the championship dreams that had eluded them the previous seasons.
The game unfolded with high intensity, reflecting the stakes involved. Key players from both teams stepped up, providing memorable moments that thrilled the audience. As the clock ticked down, strategies were adjusted on the fly, with coaches and players alike navigating the pressures of the playoff atmosphere. This game not only highlighted individual brilliance but also underscored the tactical battles between the coaching staffs, setting the tone for what would be a highly competitive continuation of the series.