Nothing But Net

It is now a half century since the second, and last, of the New York Knicks World Championships. That Knick team, and the other that garnered the title 3 years earlier, was filled with great players from Clyde Frazier to Dave DeBusschere to Bill Bradley and beyond. But there was only one captain. And only one play that remains indelibly etched in the minds of all who followed the trials and triumphs of their favorite squad.

Willis Reed is forever at the top of the key, having half limped to that spot, raising ever so slightly from the earth and then igniting the team, his team, to its destiny, hitting nothing but net with a jumper bound for glory.

While it may not be the shot heard round the world, for Knick fans who suffered year after year through defeat and humiliations, the captain's magnificent moment on May 8, 1970 is their exclamation point.

We now say our farewell to Willis Reed and give him our thanks for showing us what heart and determination can produce. 

And for not missing that shot.