New York Knicks – Page 4 – From Way Downtown

Willis Reed: The Art & Agony of a Gentle Giant, 1973

Willis Reed was past 30 now, and in the compressed lifespan of athletics that is to be past middle-age. It is a time when the body begins to betray its promises of youth, a time when the infinite resilience and boundless energy start to become less dependable certainties.

New York Knicks: The Last Trip Was No Different, 1977

The Knicks had played their final home game at Madison Square Garden last Thursday night, then left for Buffalo, the first stop of the two-game trip that would bring an end to their season.

Billy McGill: Over the Hill, In the Valley, and Rising Up Again, 1977

McGill was back on the street. He called Walter Kennedy, then the NBA commissioner, asking whether he had any pension funds due him. He did not; he had not played long enough. “I called collect,” he said, “and I had to look around for a dime.

What’s Wrong with Big-Time Basketball, 1955

Undoubtedly, this is progress. But is it enough? We don’t think so. The NBA could do much to improve its league.

Ode to a Rookie Referee in Two Takes, 1967

Moser, about to hand the ball to the Celts’ John Havlicek, looked at the agonized Holzman—the Knicks were 16 points behind—and said firmly, “That’s enough,” without exclamation point.