Willis Reed May, 1970; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks center Willis Reed (19) during the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
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The NBA is mourning the loss of one of its greatest players ever, Willis Reed.

Reed, who was the center and Finals MVP for the New York Knicks during their championship seasons in 1970 and 1973, passed away on Tuesday morning.

NBA insider Peter Vecsey broke the news.

“Just received word that Willis Reed, 80, passed this morning. He has suffered from congestive heart problems over the past year or so, and was going through rehab to walk. Loved everything about Willis! A man’s man!!” Vescey tweeted.

Reed had a long and storied NBA career. He made seven All-Star games, was All-NBA First Team once (1970) and Second Team four times (1967-1969, 1971). He was the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 1965. In 1970, Reed earned the NBA MVP, the NBA Finals MVP and the NBA All-Star Game MVP. In 1996, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He was similarly honored in 2021, being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

Despite his many accomplishments, one moment stands out above the rest. During the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Reed missed Game 6 with a thigh injury and it seemed unlikely that he’d play in Game 7. But during warmups, he came out onto the floor, firing up the Madison Square Garden Crowd.

https://twitter.com/KnicksMuse/status/1638243060797538305

Reed made the team’s first two shots from the field and while he wouldn’t score again, he limited Wilt Chamberlain for the remainder of the first half.

With the Knicks comfortably ahead, Reed left the game late in the first half. New York went on to win the title, with Reed earning series MVP honors. Due to that performance, his name has become synonymous with athletes playing through pain, especially in big games.

Upon news of his passing, NBA fans paid tribute to the NBA legend.

[Peter Vecsey]

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