NBA Fans Mourn as Knicks Legend Willis Reed Passes Away at Age 80 : NBA : Sports World News

Willis Reed, who was accountable for among the most iconic scenes in New York Knicks historical past, handed away on Tuesday at 80. (Photo : Photo by Keith Bedford/Getty Images)

New York Knicks legend Willis Reed has handed away on the age of 80, leaving NBA followers throughout the globe in mourning. Reed was a key determine within the Knicks’ success in the course of the Sixties and Nineteen Seventies, main the workforce to 2 NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.

Born in Hico, Louisiana, in 1942, Reed was a standout participant at Grambling State University earlier than being drafted by the Knicks in 1964. Over the course of his profession, Reed earned quite a few accolades, together with seven All-Star alternatives, an NBA MVP award in 1970, and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Reed was famend for his toughness and management on the court docket, famously enjoying by damage in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a torn thigh muscle, Reed scored the sport’s first two baskets and impressed his workforce to a 113-99 victory, securing the Knicks’ first-ever championship.

Reed’s influence on the Knicks and the NBA as an entire was immeasurable, as he helped usher in a brand new period of success for the league. His legacy lives on within the numerous gamers and followers he impressed, and his title will ceaselessly be etched in basketball historical past.

Following information of his passing, tributes poured in from throughout the NBA group, with many present and former gamers expressing their condolences on social media. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver launched a press release, saying “Willis Reed was a true giant of our sport, and his impact on the NBA will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who knew him and loved him.”

Reed’s reminiscence will undoubtedly proceed to be honored by the Knicks and the NBA, as his contributions to the game won’t ever be forgotten. Rest in peace, Willis Reed.

Here are among the followers’ reactions after understanding Willis Reed’s loss of life:

Willis Reed has handed away on the age of 80. A mild big. An enormous loss for the NBA household.

Rest straightforward, Willis… pic.twitter.com/g2NlBtXfSG

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) March 21, 2023

Rest in peace to the good Willis Reed.

2x NBA Champion
2x Finals MVP
NBA League MVP (1970)
7x All Star
All Star Game MVP
1x All NBA First Team
1x All Defensive First Team
4x All NBA Second Team
Rookie of the Year
NBA fiftieth & seventy fifth Anniversary Team

A real legend. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/o28XUzHPGY

— BrunsonMuse (@BrunsonMuse) March 21, 2023

There have been better gamers than Willis Reed.
There has by no means been a better chief.
Rest in peace, Captain.
Fans of the #Knicks will love you till the top of time. pic.twitter.com/7lNNI1y0eG

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 21, 2023

Walt Clyde Frazier put it finest. Not in our home.

Willis Reed embodied what it meant to be a New York Knick, and can ceaselessly be remembered for his heroics within the Knicks solely 2 NBA championships.

Rest straightforward, champ. pic.twitter.com/7nsF41jow1

— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) March 21, 2023

“I just want to say that I’m so proud I was a member of the championship team in the best city in the world with the best fans in the world”

—Willis Reed final month in a video message performed at Madison Square Garden in the course of the 1973 Knicks championship fiftieth anniversary occasion. RIP pic.twitter.com/LFTKJNxAPA

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 21, 2023

Super Sky Point to Willis Reed, the primary participant, and one in every of solely a dozen all-time, to win a number of NBA Finals MVP Awards. One of essentially the most expert practitioners of basketball badassery. #RIP pic.twitter.com/jyQBCquaTF

— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) March 21, 2023