The New York Knicks returned to Madison Square Garden for the first time since the death of franchise legend Willis Reed.
Reed passed away on Tuesday, March 21, aged 80.
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The No. 8 pick in the 1964 NBA Draft held a special place in the hearts of New York basketball fans, playing 10 successful seasons in the Mecca.
Ahead of their game against the Houston Rockets at MSG, the Knicks held a moment of silence as part of a pregame tribute for 'The Captain'.
Celebrating a LEGEND tonight at @TheGarden. pic.twitter.com/QqQ3RI9vBT
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 27, 2023
During pregame, each Knicks player wore his famous No. 19 on their warmups, with the MSG lights spotlighting his retired jersey in the rafters.
Knicks will wear this 19 ribbon to honor the late Willis Reed pic.twitter.com/HQ3IJRn5uC
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 27, 2023
Meanwhile, their game jerseys were adorned with a No. 19 patch, which was also featured on the sidelines of the MSG court, along with several other tributes around the arena.
Honoring The Captain, Willis Reed. pic.twitter.com/l8gLnJXE4a
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 27, 2023
Knicks installation tonight at MSG honoring Willis Reed pic.twitter.com/SJtWr0rbAs
— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) March 27, 2023
Reed helped the Knicks win two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973, winning Finals MVP in both title runs.
MORE: What you didn't know about Willis Reed's iconic Game 7 battle vs. Lakers
In 1970 he delivered one of the most iconic performances in Knicks basketball history. After suffering a thigh injury in Game 5 of the Finals, he was forced to miss Game 6, and with uncertainty surrounding his availability for the championship decider, a hobbled Reed emerged from the tunnel, inspiring his team to a famous victory.
Before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, it was unknown if Willis Reed would play due to a right thigh injury. He then came out of the tunnel to help lead the Knicks to their 1st ever NBA Championship! #TeamDays | @nyknicks pic.twitter.com/G0dIplhtli
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 1, 2018
Earning seven All-Star selections, five All-NBA selections, two Finals MVPs, one regular season MVP, as well as Rookie of the Year in 1965, Reed's impact on the franchise is undeniable, with his No. 19 jersey the first to be retired in franchise history.
He was also named to the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary teams.
TSN ARCHIVES: How 'The Willis Reed Game' was originally covered in 1970 after the Knicks championship
As they celebrated the legacy of The Captian, the Knicks emerged victorious on Monday night, with Immanuel Quickley pouring in 40 points and nine assists to lead them to a 137-115 win over the Rockets.
