Heartbroken Magic Johnson Joins Millions in Mourning Sad Knicks Legend News: “Cookie and I are Praying..”

The NBA community is mourning the loss of a New York Knicks legend as he passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday. Known as one of the greatest leaders in the history of the game, the Knicks legend led his team to two NBA championships during an era when the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers were on top of the basketball world. As someone who looked up to him, Magic Johnson joined thousands in grieving the huge loss.

Considered one of the greatest power forwards of all time, the Knicks legend’s feats of endurance captivated the world. Walking out to the Madison Square Garden court for game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals despite a muscle injury earned him plaudits across the globe. The left-handed great has one of the most impeccable resumes in NBA history that includes 2 NBA championships and multiple individual accolades.?

The greatest player in New York Knicks history?

The city of New York holds a special place in their hearts for Willis Reed. Bill Bradley, a former teammate of the Knicks legend, revealed that Reed had congestive heart issues and was going through treatment to cure the disease. However, luck did not stand with the 80-year-old as he passed away earlier today. The 6’9 star was admired for his finishing ability under the basket. Going head-to-head with NBA greats such as Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, Reed managed to earn plaudits with his determination and grit.

During his 10-year career with the New York Knicks, Reed led the team to two championships in 1970 and 1973. Reed was also the first player to sweep the MVP awards for the regular season, All-Star game, and the Finals in 1970. Bringing the Knicks their very first championship, Willis Reed was one of the most loved players in New York.

After his 10-year career, the 7x NBA All-Star came back to the organization in 1977 as a head coach. Though he coached the Knicks for just one year, the team reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals that season. However, the most iconic moment from his legendary NBA career has to be during game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, when Reed emerged from the locker room to lead the Knicks to their first championship despite a thigh muscle injury. It remains one of the biggest examples of playing through pain in sports history.

Watch this story: “Ayesha Curry joins 100 in going crazy for veteran Grammy award winner”

Magic Johnson grieves the loss of Willis Reed

The 5x NBA champion took to his Twitter to offer his condolences. Johnson tweeted, “RIP to a NY Knicks legend, NBA Hall of Famer, and a super nice man Willis Reed. Cookie and I are praying for his family, teammates, friends, and fans.” Moreover, the Knicks organization shared an emotional message for the 7x NBA All-Star.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also issued a statement after Reed’s demise, offering condolences to his family and friends.

The Knicks community has lost one of its greatest icons ever. NBA analyst Mike Greenberg perfectly addressed the impact of the Knicks legend in his tweet as he wrote, “there have been greater players than Willis Reed. There has never been a greater leader.”