May 8, 1970.
The day that will live in New York sports history. You have the Jets’ Super Bowl victory and the Mets’ miracle. Yet, the Knicks’ heyday in May is right there.
Like the Jets ‘and Mets’ David vs. Goliath plot, the Knicks’ victory in a Game Seven May 8 victory over the Lakers couldn’t have been scripted better.
It had it all and should never be forgotten for us who watched it and told to the current sports generation.
It was the perfect buoyed series between two teams that still is one of the best in league history.
Through the first five games, there were two overtime games – split by both teams – and the biggest margin in the other games was eight points. It was as even as it could be.
Los Angeles had the momentum with a 135-113 thumping in Game Six, and Knicks’ captain and eventual series MVP Willis Reed was doubtful with a thigh injury.
But the 19,500 who were in attendance, and for those watching the game live on ABC like myself, – the New York market was blacked out live (to be seen on tape at 11:30).
And only available on then sprouting MSG to a 25,000 audience –came one of the moments that still defines the Knicks and the NBA.
Reed comes out of the tunnel just before the tip to one of the most resounding cries in Madison Square Garden to take the opening tap.
The famed “Willis Reed game” was created
Being in a Pennsylvania TV market, and a youthful Knicks fan at the time, I can still remember my opened-mouth amazement.
He sinks a layup and drills a jumper on the team’s first two possessions.
He still had to leave the game with three minutes to go in the first half; and the Knicks had a 24-point lead that eventually ballooned to over 30 at some points.
I knew it and so did everyone else.
Game over.
And it was. The Wilt Chamberlain–Jerry West-led Lakers were done.
The Knicks seemingly couldn’t miss. We all knew the outcome, but just had to wait for it
It was Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, and Dick Barnett. It was a young bench of Cazzie Russell, Dave Stallworth and Mike Riordan. There was additional backup from Nate Bowman and Bill Hosket and rookie John Warren.
Only DeBusschere and Barnett had seven or more years’ experience in the league.
A perfect youthful blend with the perfect coach Red Holzman. Everyone played their role.
Pass the ball, work for the best shot, and play straight-up man defense.
Reed was the MVP, yet Frazier was magnificent throughout the series. He posted the closest triple-double– averaging 17.6 points, 10.4 assists, and 7.7 rebounds.
Frazier had a scintillating 36-point, 19-assist and seven-rebound effort in Game Seven.
They played in the same hemisphere for the next three seasons but could only grab one more crown in 1974.
On an electric night in May 50 years ago, though, the Knicks were kings and deserved it.
A legend was born that night and should always be remembered.
