Shots · Playoff plays · #36

Here comes Willis

After limping out of the tunnel, Reed won the opening tip and made a jumper from the top of the key on New York's first possession.

#36 · Shots · Playoff plays

Here comes Willis

1970 · Opening possession

Willis Reed · Wilt Chamberlain

1970 · Opening possession

Willis Reed

Against Wilt Chamberlain

The stakes

NBA Finals Game 7

Reed scored only twice, but his unexpected return changed Madison Square Garden before the game had settled. The captain's first basket remains the emotional beginning of the Knicks' first championship.

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Knicks vs Lakers

1970 NBA Finals Game 7 · May 8, 1970

New York and Los Angeles met for the title in a Game 7 defined before tipoff by uncertainty around a star's availability.

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