This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
The 1970 NBA Finals was already one of the most exciting in league history before the deciding Game 7 even started. Red Holzman’s New York Knicks had plowed into the Finals after setting a record with 18 consecutive victories on their way to a 60-22 regular season. The team was favored over the Lakers in the Finals, but suffered a terrible setback in Game 5 when star center Willis Reed went down with a torn thigh muscle that should have kept him out of the rest of the series. But Reed miraculously suited up and took to the court for the deciding game, bringing the MSG faithful to their feet. Reed held Wilt Chamberlain to just two made shots in nine attempts and scored the Knicks first two baskets of the game. In what has been called by many the greatest Game 7 in any sport, the Knicks pulled out a 113-99 win, with Reed’s inspiring comeback moving broadcaster Howard Cosell to tell the star on air, "You exemplify the very best that the human spirit can offer." Sometime just after the Knicks victory, the net used in that iconic game was removed and presented to the team’s coach, Red Holzman. The thick, rope-like net shows light toning from age and remains fully intact. This net was a treasured memento kept by Holzman from 1970 on, and remained with his family's collection long after his death until now being offered for the first time. A one-of-a-kind piece from the first Knickerbockers title that instantaneously made their coach a god in the Big Apple. Includes LOA from the Holzman family.