Bill Bradley: The Reeducation of Princeton Bill, 1970

Bradley himself doesn’t think this game is much work. He thinks it’s fun, and older men will tell you those who feel that way about it—and who have the necessary and special talent—get to be the great ones.

Willis Reed: The Game I’ll Never Forget, 1970

I had some nerve going up against the greatest all-around center in NBA history in my condition, but I’m glad I made the effort. It was worth it. 

Andy Johnson: An Intentional Foul to Remember, 1959

Guerin started swinging, only to find Johnson a sharper hitter. As the two lunged, ramming into the floor-side crowd, they were joined by all the members of the two squads and disappeared from the view. 

Richie Guerin: Knick of Time, 1962

A serious fellow, Richie does not leave his game in the dressing room. He takes it home or on road trips, trying to replay it, detect where he or one of his teammates made a mistake that might have affected the actual outcome.

Richie Guerin: Wilt Chamberlain’s Magical Night in 1962

Chamberlain’s 100th point came with 46 seconds remaining when he outleaped two defenders to spare a lob pass from Joe Rucklick and slam it through the net. Then all Hades broke loose. 

Red Holzman: The Plainest Man in the World, 1970

And after, when Red had finished hurling wonderfully descriptive expletives at the officials, when he had talked to the reporters who cluster in ever-increasing numbers these days, he went to Russell’s near the Cadillac Hotel with a few friends. Russell’s is a late-night steak place.