The New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in 1970. the Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-99 in Game 7 of the Finals thanks to an inspired play by Willis Reed. the injured Reed managed to score the game’s first two baskets. Walt Fraizer tallied an impressive 36 points and 19 assists during the game. Willis spent his 10-season career with the New York Knicks and was voted one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. After a decade of coaching, he became senior vice president of basketball operations and led the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
Today in Sports History: May 8
MACAO, CHINA - JULY 30: (L-R) NBA legend Willis Reed talks with head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the U.S. Men's Senior National Team during practice for the Pre-Olympics USA Basketball International Challenge on July 30, 2008 in Macao, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)