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Dan Le Batard blatantly disrespects Knicks icon Willis Reed’s epic Game 7

ByJordanna Clark|
Willis Reed, New York Knicks (Photo By Ross Lewis/Getty Images)
Willis Reed, New York Knicks (Photo By Ross Lewis/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks and the NBA suffered a tremendous loss on Tuesday with the passing of Willis Reed. He spent all 10 of his seasons in the league with the Knicks and walked away from the game with two championships. Reed was a seven-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA selection, the 1970 MVP, and a two-time Finals MVP. What a resume.

One of the most iconic moments in the history of the game happened because of Reed. Leading up to Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, Reed’s status was up in the air after injuring his leg in Game 5 and missing Game 6. He was dealing with a muscle tear in his right thigh, so it was assumed that he wouldn’t play. However, he limped out on the floor ahead of the game as the crowd roared. A few hours later, New York secured its first NBA title over Wilt Chamberlain and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Reed hit only two shots in that game, but the fact that he managed to play is what stood out the most.

That moment has been labeled as one of the most iconic moments in Knicks history and NBA Finals history, and for good reason. However, believe it or not, some think that the moment was overhyped. Yes, people like Dan Le Batard actually exist.

Dan Le Batard downplays Willis Reed’s epic 1970 NBA Finals Game 7 outing

When reflecting on Willis Reed and Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Le Batard said:

“Remembering Willis Reed and one of the most famous moments in sports history because, of course, it happened in New York. When it happens in New York, it’s the thing that’s remembered forever.” Yikes.

Regardless of how you feel about Reed’s Game 7 performance, it’s pathetic to go on air and disrespect him days after he passed away. At least Amin Elhassan immediately interjected and disagreed with Le Batard.

That wasn’t all that Le Batard had to say, though. Instead of simply recognizing the profound impact that Reed had on the game of basketball, he went in the opposite direction. Le Batard even decided to take a shot at NYC in general by saying that New Yorkers have “myopia” and that there’s a reason why so many natives move to Florida. In case it isn’t clear, the 54-year-old was born in New Jersey but calls South Florida home.

It’s actually a good thing that Le Batard doesn’t seem to have a desire to return to the Tri-state area. He won’t be able to avoid the wrath of Knicks fans for talking down on the great Willis Reed, though.

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