Knicks By The Numbers: 16-20

19 – Willis Reed– (1964-74) – The original player know as “The Captain” in NY, Reed is 2^nd only to Walt Frazier as the greatest Knick of all time. One of the few players to be MVP of the regular season, All Star Game, and NBA Finals during the 1969-70 season. Although his career was cut short with injuries, Reed averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds in his 10 year career, including 5 All NBA 1^st team honors. Willis was one of the few past legends who could play in today’s game. An exceptional athlete and fierce competitor, Reed was a legend even before getting to the Knicks, once scoring 58 points in a HS game – in his socks! He forgot his sneakers, and rather than sit out, played and dominated in socks. Of course, Reed is known as the limping star coming out of the tunnel, and hitting the first 2 shots – with a torn thigh muscle – inspiring the Knicks in game 7 of the NBA Finals. Of course, his toughness was REALLY on display in a fight that would make Ron Artest proud. Reed basically challenged the entire Laker bench to a fight after getting elbowed. An account of the fight can be found here.

Honorable Mention – Ray Felix – (1954-59) – Felix was an iron man and solid contributor for the Knicks, averaging 12 points, 9 rebounds and never missing a game in his 6 seasons with the Knicks.