NEW YORK – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Willis Reed:

“Willis Reed was the ultimate team player and consummate leader.  My earliest and fondest memories of NBA basketball are of watching Willis, who embodied the winning spirit that defined the New York Knicks’ championship teams in the early 1970s.  He played the game with remarkable passion and determination, and his inspiring comeback in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic moments in all of sports.  As a league MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP and member of the NBA’s 50^th and 75^th Anniversary Teams, Willis was a decorated player who took great pride in his consistency.  Following his playing career, Willis mentored the next generation as a coach, team executive and proud HBCU alumnus.  We send our deepest condolences to Willis’ wife, Gale, his family and his many friends and fans.”