Some moments transcend sport and become a part of a culture’s fabric. In Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, Knicks Captain Willie Reed broke that barrier. A torn muscle sidelined the Knicks star in Game 6 against the Lakers. During the team’s warmups, Reed walked onto the court alone, having appeared from nowhere out of the locker room. The sold-out crowd erupted as West, Chamberlain, and Baylor watched in awe. A limping Reed drained his first two shots, which sent the crowd into a state of delirium. The moment epitomized the toughness of New York and became a symbol of determination during the era. Reed said afterward, “I didn’t want anyone to say, ‘Why didn’t you try?’ You should always try.” And no doubt plenty of collectors will try to win this Reed rookie in this month’s Vintage Premier Auction. PSA has graded more than 1,200 examples of this card. Only one example earned a PSA 10 grade. This example. Thus, the winner of this auction will own the best-known PSA-graded example of the rookie card of one of basketball’s most beloved and celebrated legends. As a result, this auction should draw a crowd that would make Willis Reed fans proud. Expect more than a few vintage collectors to “try” to win it.
