On May 8, 1970, Knicks captain and center Willis Reed limped onto Madison Square Garden’s court despite an injured right leg treated with cortisone and Carbocaine. Listed “doubtful” by medical authorities, he scored two precise, floor-bound jumpers to win the deciding NBA Finals game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers’ lineup included Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor, but Reed’s display spiritually vanquished them before they could fully respond. After Reed hobbled off and never returned, Walt Frazier produced 36 points and 19 assists. The Knicks later won a second title in 1973, again defeating the Lakers, and added Earl “the Pearl” Monroe to the roster.
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