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Willis Reed

Championship Knicks (1970) · 1970

6'9"
235 lbs
1964 Pick #8 (New York)
1964-1974
New York Knicks
Skill ScoreHow you win — in-game attributes
70/99
All-Star Caliber

Reed's strong Defense (82) and strong Inside Scoring (82) define this era.

Legacy ScoreCareer dominance — record, titles, defenses
64/99
Elite
Rings (2) +16MVPs (1) +8Finals MVP (2) +10All-Star (7) +8

Trophy Case

2×NBA Champion

1970, 1973

The walk-on in Game 7 of 1970 is one of the most iconic moments ever

2×Finals MVP

1970, 1973

1970 (the legendary walk-on in Game 7) and 1973 with the Knicks

MVP

1970

Led the Knicks to the title — the legendary walk-on in Game 7

7×All-Star

1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971

7 selections — 'The Captain' inspired a generation of Knicks fans

Rookie of the Year

1965

Averaged 19.5/14.7 — dominant two-way center

All-Star MVP

1970

All-Star MVP in 1970 — the year of his legendary Finals walk-on

Signature Moments

The Entrance — 1970 Finals Game 7

May 8, 1970·vs vs Los Angeles Lakers

Reed had torn his thigh muscle in Game 5 and missed Game 6. Nobody knew if he'd play in Game 7. Then he limped out of the tunnel. The crowd at Madison Square Garden erupted. The Lakers froze. Reed hit his first two shots, the Knicks won the championship, and Reed's entrance became the most iconic moment in NBA Finals history.

He could barely walk. He hit his first two shots. The Knicks won the championship. Willis Reed's entrance is the most inspirational moment in basketball history.

1970 Finals MVP — The Heart of New York

May 1970·vs vs Los Angeles Lakers

Reed won Finals MVP despite playing hurt for most of the series. He was the captain, the heart, and the soul of the 1970 Knicks — New York's first championship team. The city fell in love with his toughness.

Finals MVP on a torn muscle. Willis Reed played through pain that would have sidelined most players for weeks. New York has never forgotten.

Career Numbers

Career Games

Knee injuries shortened career after 1970 heroics

650

Career Points

12,183

Points Per Game

Career average across 650 games

18.7

Rebounds Per Game

12.9

Verified Feb 2026

Season Stats · Championship Knicks (1970)

ChampionshipsNBA Records
2
Points Per GameBasketball Reference
21.7
Rebounds Per GameBasketball Reference
13.9

Engine Attributes

Defense82
Stamina75
Playmaking55
Inside Scoring82
Scoring72
Shot Creation52
Ball Security72
Versatility72
Skill Score
70/99
All-Star Caliber
Legacy
64/99
Elite

Fan Debate

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