This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/6/2022.
Uncertain whether Hall of Famer Willis Reed would be able to play through the muscle tear in his right thigh, the New York Knicks got an emotional rush when their captain hobbled onto the floor wearing this warm-up against the Lakers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and hit two jump shots to boost his teammates’ confidence and win the franchise’s first NBA championship. Reed had already been named MVP of the 1970 All-Star Game and for the 1969-70 regular season. But the Knicks’ shot at a title was seriously in doubt when he suffered a torn thigh muscle in Game 5 and sat out Game 6. “I didn’t want to have to look at myself in the mirror 20 years later and say I wished I had tried to play,” Reed later recalled, so he received medical treatment in his thigh and limped to the court during warmups. The crowd at Madison Square Garden erupted in unison and is regarded as perhaps the greatest moment in MSG history. Fellow Hall of Famer Phil Jackson recounts “I’ve never heard the emotion of a crowd respond as greatly as that to Willis Reed stepping on the floor”. Reed pestered Wilt Chamberlain into multiple missed shots while he was in the game and the Knicks clinched their first NBA Championship 113-99. Presented is Reed’s warm-up jacket from the incredible Game 7 of the NBA Finals also known as the “Willis Reed Game”. This very jacket was worn before the game, during the game and is photo-matched to his post-game interview with Howard Cosell in the locker room during the celebration. Inside beneath the collar is the Gerry Cosby manufacturer’s tag with two attached flag tags reading the size “48” and “L” that are partially detached and fraying. Inside the button path is a strip tag reading the player name “Reed” embroidered in orange chain stitching. On the left chest is the Knicks “NY” logo and across the back reads “NEW YORK” in orange on blue tackle twill. This museum quality and historically significant jacket is the only truly known photo-matched item from this game. This jacket originally emanated from a car dealership employee who made a trade with a Madison Square Garden employee who likely traded a car for the jacket. This is the first time that this jacket has been offered publicly. The jacket is properly tagged, was presented to us as player worn and shows wear. Accompanied by a Photo-Match.com LOA.