What an emotional night last night at the Garden. If you guys weren't aware it was legends night. The 40th anniversary of the 1973 Knicks was celebrated. There were 10 eventual Hall of Famers as part of that team, or at least that's what Al Trautwig kept saying. That includes the entire starting 5. There were 6 players on the team who were inducted as players:
Walt Frazier
Willis Reed
Earl Monroe
Dave DeBusschere
Bill Bradley
Jerry Lucas
The Zenmaster was on the team as well, obviously in the hall as a coach. Then Red Holtzman was coaching the team and is in the Hall, Dick McGuire was an assistant coach and is in the Hall as a player, and the team president Ned Irish is in the Hall. I'm pretty sure those are the 10 he was talking about.
Anyway, there was not a dry eye in the house, especially when remembering those who are no longer here like DeBusschere, Holzman, and McGuire. It was great to see not only the legends but also the fan favorites like Dean "The Dream" Meminger and Harthorne Wingo. Granted I had never heard of those 2 guys before last night but it was still great to see them.
Anyway, here is a photo to commemorate the evening.
But most importantly of all, there was perhaps the greatest giveaway in Knicks history. Screw getting a t-shirt, hat, or poster. They stepped it up and handed out commemorative championship rings.
Mine says "Champions" and not D. Barnett. Also below the Knicks logo and what is I guess a picture of the Garden, mine says "Defense". Not sure if the originals had it, but nonetheless I love the commitment to playing D. I will wear this ring proudly around town, maybe try to convince some young ladies I was on the team and just look really young for my age.