NBA Legend: New York Knicks Emotional Leader & Champion Willis Reed Dies At 80

Willis Reed, whose nickname was “The Captain” passed away at 80. Reed’s death was announced by the National Basketball Retired Players Association, which confirmed it through his family. The cause was not released. Reed had been in poor health recently and was unable to travel to New York when the Knicks honored the 50th anniversary of their 1973 NBA championship team during their game against New Orleans on Feb. 25.

Reed dramatically emerged from the locker room minutes before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals to spark the New York Knicks to their first championship and create one of sports’ most enduring examples of playing through pain. Reed was the emotional leader on the Knicks’ two NBA championship teams. His accomplishments — seven All-Star selections, two NBA Finals MVP awards among them — would have warranted Hall of Fame induction by themselves. During the 1969-70 season, he became the first player to sweep the MVP awards for the regular season, All-Star Game and NBA Finals. To Read More Click Here.

Source: NPR