On May 8th in sports history, one significant event took place in 1970 when the New York Knicks won their first NBA championship. The Knicks, led by future Hall of Famers Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and Bill Bradley, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in a thrilling seven-game series.
The most iconic moment of the series came in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Willis Reed, the Knicks' captain and starting center, had suffered a severe thigh injury in Game 5 and missed Game 6. His status for the decisive Game 7 was uncertain, but in a dramatic turn of events, Reed limped onto the court during warmups, electrifying the home crowd.
Despite being visibly hobbled, Reed scored the first two baskets of the game, inspiring his teammates and setting the tone for the Knicks' victory. He played only a few minutes before leaving the game, but his courage and leadership had a profound impact on the outcome.
Walt Frazier took over from there, scoring 36 points and dishing out 19 assists in one of the greatest Game 7 performances in NBA history. The Knicks went on to win the game 113-99, clinching their first NBA title and sending the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy.
The 1970 championship was a defining moment for the Knicks franchise and cemented the legacies of Reed, Frazier, and their teammates. It also marked the beginning of the Knicks' most successful era, as they would go on to win another title in 1973. The image of Willis Reed limping onto the court before Game 7 has become one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, a testament to his determination and the Knicks' resilience.
