The New York Knicks will honor the 40th anniversary of their 1969-70 championship team at the second annual Knicks Legends Night on Feb. 22, when the team plays the Bucks at Madison Square Garden.
"When sports fans all over this country historically think of great teams, the 1969-70 Knickerbockers championship squad is always near the top of the list," Knicks team president Donnie Walsh told the New York Post. "We are honored that they will be returning to the World’s Most Famous Arena for our fans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their incredible feat."
The Knicks will honor members of the championship team during a halftime celebration.
The 1969-70 Knicks defeated the Lakers in seven games. Knicks captain Willis Reed earned NBA Finals MVP honors, along with a place in Knicks’ history for his heroic performance during Game 7 when he returned from a knee injury to help the franchise capture its first world championship.
Reed is scheduled to attend the event along with Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley and other Knicks legends.
But one notable NBA legend will be missing from the celebration.
Lakers head coach Phil Jackson has declined the invitation to attend the celebration, according to the Post. The former Knicks forward missed the 1969-70 season due to a back injury. He occupied a spot on the team’s injured reserve list during the championship run.
