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TMZSports.com
U.S. Senator and former NBA star Invoice Bradley is remembering his beloved teammate, Willis Reed, following the Knicks legend’s tragic passing this week … saying he’ll all the time bear in mind “The Captain” as “a person with nice dignity and power.”
Bradley — who served as a United States Senator of New Jersey (1979 to 1997) after retiring from the NBA — joined Babcock on the “TMZ Sports activities” TV present (airs weeknights on FS1) the place he talked about his teammate who remained his good friend lengthy after their enjoying days had been over.
After all, Reed and Bradley received two titles collectively (’70 & ’73) throughout their stellar careers in The Massive Apple … however Invoice believes an enormous cause why the Knicks took residence their first title in 1970 was as a result of Reed shocked everybody and suited up for Recreation 7, regardless of being injured.
Earlier than Recreation 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, it was unknown if Willis Reed would play attributable to a proper thigh harm. He then got here out of the tunnel to assist lead the Knicks to their 1st ever NBA Championship! #TeamDays | @nyknicks pic.twitter.com/G0dIplhtli
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 1, 2018
@NBATV
“He was an incredible chief,” Bradley stated. “And, you do not all the time have gamers who so overtly put their entire profession on the road for his or her teammates, which is what he did in 1970.”
“We received the championship and it was partly impressed by Willis’ braveness and dedication to his crew,” Bradley stated. “You actually simply felt every little thing elevate in The Backyard.”
After all, Bradley did not solely star on the professional degree … he was one of many biggest school basketball gamers ever.
His alma mater, Princeton, a #15-seed, will face #6-seed Creighton within the Candy 16 on Friday … after the crew pulled off two upset wins over Arizona and Missouri final week.
Bradley — an AP Faculty Participant of the 12 months who additionally received Most Excellent Participant within the NCAA tourney in 1965 — would not imagine the Cinderella run has to finish right here … he wholeheartedly believes the Tigers can win.
“They stand an awesome likelihood,” the 79-year-old stated.
“They’re enjoying seemingly properly. I just like the crew and, after all, I respect Mitch rather a lot and it is nice for the college.”
Now, the Senator is not guaranteeing Princeton’s going to the Closing 4, however like he says … “something is feasible in sports activities.”
“That is what makes it such an awesome factor,” Bradley stated. “It is not simply the underdog however the reward for individuals who attempt to do issues the fitting manner.”
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