1970 Finals Game 7: A Torn Thigh and a City Reborn

The 1970 Knicks–Lakers Finals was tied 2-2 when disaster struck: in Game 5, Reed tore his right thigh muscle with no contact and was helped off. New York won G5, but everyone knew the series without him was in peril.

Reed sat Game 6; Wilt Chamberlain dropped 45 and tied the series 3-3. Back at MSG for Game 7, the word was Reed "likely out." When the PA announced the starting lineups and his name rang out, the building exploded—he was out there.

Reed played under 28 minutes, scored 4 points, but hit two early jumpers that lit the fuse. Walt Frazier went for 36 points and 19 assists as New York controlled the game. When the horn sounded, teammates hoisted Reed high. He later said, "I just wanted the guys to know I was with them."

The title ended 24 years of waiting for the Knicks and gave New York a golden memory still unmatched.

Related Reading

• Willis Reed: The Man Who Walked Out Hurt, and the Knicks’ First Crown
• From Player to Coach: Reed’s Post-Playing Life
• The Defensive Anchor: How Reed Built the Knicks’ Iron Interior
• 1973 Again: Reed’s Second Finals MVP
• 2023 Curtain Call: Reed Passes, New York Lowers Its Flag