Hall of Famer Willis Reed, the beloved former New York Knicks player who won two championships, has died at the age of 80, the National Basketball Retired Players Association said on Tuesday (March 21).

The seven-time All-Star spent his decade-long career with the Knicks, where he famously took the court in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers despite suffering a leg injury earlier.

He barely played, but the heroic effort whipped the crowd at Madison Square Garden into a frenzy, as he inspired his teammates to a 113-99 victory and vaulted himself into the pantheon of New York City sports greats.

"As we mourn, we will always strive to uphold the standards he left behind," the Knicks said in a statement.

"The unmatched leadership, sacrifice and work ethic that personified him as a champion among champions."

"His is a legacy that will live forever."

Reed became the first to earn regular-season MVP, Finals MVP and All-Star MVP honours in one season in 1970, before leading the Knicks to their second championship in 1973.

Beloved by fans and known affectionately as "the Captain," he retired in 1974, having averaged 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, and was the first player for the Knicks to have his jersey retired by the team.

He returned to the Knicks to coach the team in the 1977-78 season. He later coached the then-New Jersey Nets.

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Hall of Famer Willis Reed, the beloved former New York Knicks player who won two championships, has died at the age of 80, the National Basketball Retired Players Association said on Tuesday (March 21).

Hall of Famer Willis Reed, the beloved former New York Knicks player who won two championships, has died at the age of 80, the National Basketball Retired Players Association said on Tuesday (March 21). The seven-time All-Star spent his decade-long career with the Knicks, where he famously took the court in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers despite suffering a leg injury earlier. He barely played, but the heroic effort whipped the crowd at Madison Square Garden into a frenzy, as he inspired his teammates to a 113-99 victory and vaulted himself into the pantheon of New York City sports greats. "As we mourn, we will always strive to uphold the standards he left behind," the Knicks said in a statement. "The unmatched leadership, sacrifice and work ethic that personified him as a champion among champions." "His is a legacy that will live forever." Reed became the first to earn regular-season MVP, Finals MVP and All-Star MVP honours in one season in 1970, before leading the Knicks to their second championship in 1973. Beloved by fans and known affectionately as "the Captain," he retired in 1974, having averaged 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, and was the first player for the Knicks to have his jersey retired by the team. He returned to the Knicks to coach the team in the 1977-78 season. He later coached the then-New Jersey Nets. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NBA great 'the Captain' Willis Reed dies at 80

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NBA great 'the Captain' Willis Reed dies at 80