History on This Day: Knicks claim first NBA title with win over Lakers
On May 8, 1970, the New York Knicks claimed their first championship after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals following a tremendous performance by Walt Frazier and the heroics of Willis Reed.
Frazier led the Knicks with 36 points, 19 assists and seven rebounds during the 113-99 victory at Madison Square Garden. It was the first time in which the NBA Finals were broadcast live on TV after airing on tape delay in previous years.
While Frazier led the Knicks in Game 7, it was Reed that gave a performance for the ages.
Prior to that contest, Reed sat out Game 6 with a torn thigh muscle suffered in the previous game. He was expected to sit out Game 7 but defied the odds and took the floor, scoring the first two baskets of the game.
He eventually left later in the first half for good but his effort was deemed one of the greatest in history.
One of the most memorable performances in sports history
51 years ago today, Knicks legend Willis Reed put up 4 PTS & 3 REBS with a torn thigh muscle in GM7 of the 1970 Finals!
This was the first championship for the New York Knicks.
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 8, 2021
Reed was named the 1970 NBA Finals MVP after averaging 23 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists throughout the series. The Hall of Famer is considered to be one of the best to ever play, and his valiant effort in that Game 7 will forever be remembered in history.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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