Spike Lee, the renowned filmmaker and lifelong New York Knicks fan, was in high spirits as he took his courtside seat for Game 3 of the playoff series between the Knicks and the 76ers on Friday night. But the Oscar winner had more than just the current game on his mind—he wanted to share a piece of history.
A Lesson in Knicks History
“Today is May 8,” Lee said. “I was at Madison Square Garden, May 8, year of Our Lord, 1970, Game 7 versus the Lakers. I was 13. I was there.” When asked where he sat, Lee laughed and replied, “NOT COURTSIDE.”
Lee was referring to the iconic 1970 NBA Finals Game 7, where the Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-99 to claim their first NBA championship. The game is forever remembered as “The Willis Reed Game,” after the Knicks’ captain and NBA MVP who famously played through a severe thigh injury.
The Willis Reed Game
Reed had injured his right thigh in Game 5 and missed Game 6, which the Lakers won to force a decisive seventh game. Despite being doubtful to play, Reed limped onto the Madison Square Garden floor during warmups, igniting the crowd. He won the opening tip against Wilt Chamberlain and scored the first basket, setting the tone for the Knicks’ victory. Reed played 27 minutes, scoring only four points, but his presence inspired his teammates to victory.
Lee vividly recalled the moment: “Both teams were in the layup line. On my parents’ grave, the Lakers’ layup line froze. I’ve been to Super Bowls, World Cups and everything, I never heard the noise as loud as when Willis dragged his leg up the court. I’m talking about Wilt Chamberlain! Jerry West! Elgin Baylor! The rest of those guys! They froze.”
A Lifelong Fan
Lee’s love for the Knicks was cemented that night. He now holds season tickets courtside at Madison Square Garden, a fixture on Celebrity Row. During the interview, he spotted Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing and shouted, “I’ve had season tickets, Patrick Ewing, rookie year, my brother right here, from Georgetown!” Ewing joked about Lee’s persistence in getting courtside seats, saying, “As soon he made that movie, he’s been right where he’s been all these years.” Lee attributed his prime seating to his 1989 breakout film, “Do The Right Thing.”
Reed, who died in 2023, remains an enduring symbol of playing through pain. Lee recalled a photo in his office of Reed on the training table receiving treatment, noting, “The reason why he came out late was because it took time, it takes time for the drugs to go through your body.”
Lee’s passion for the Knicks remains undimmed as he hopes to see them win their first NBA title since 1973.
