New York Knicks: 20 greatest performances at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks acknowledges the crowd as he leaves a game against the Charlotte Bobcats after scoring his team record 62nd point at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2014 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bobcats 125-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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Los Angeles Lakers Elgin Baylor (Photo via Getty Images) /

9. Elgin Baylor, 71 points: Nov. 11, 1960

Before Patrick Ewing, Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller or any other NBA legend walked into Madison Square Garden, Elgin Baylor overwhelmed the Knicks for 71 points on Nov. 11, 1960. This happened long before Wilt Chamberlain arrived in Los Angeles and prior to Jerry West’s emergence as an all-time great point guard.

Baylor also wrecked the Knicks on 28-for-48 —58.3 percent — from the field and 25 rebounds, easily making it the greatest single-game performance at MSG up to that point.

It was a poor New York team that sat at 2-10. They still had Richie Guerin, Willie Naulls and Kenny Sears, but went on to have a 21-58 record that season.

In general, the 1977 Pro Basketball Hall of Famer had a legendary season at 34.8 points, 19.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game; all part of the Lakers’ first season in Los Angeles after their move from Minneapolis.

Due to Bill Russell overwhelming run with the Boston Celtics, it didn’t win Baylor the NBA MVP award, but provided one of the best single-season runs ever in the NBA’s infancy.

Baylor is one of the greatest basketball players, and this game became one of his best in his 14 years. While often forgotten due to the modern-day spotlight on MSG performances over the years, it’s a noteworthy night in the league’s original era.