3) Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals; Lakers v. Knicks.
New York Knick center and leader Willis Reed tears a muscle in his thigh in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, and the injury is severe enough that he can’t play in Game 6. The Lakers take full advantage and take Game 6 in order to force a do or die Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
In one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, prior to start of Game 7, Willis Reed comes out the tunnel and limps out onto the court to join his Knick teammates for shoot around. The dramatic slow walk from the tunnel to the court created a huge reaction from the Garden crowd and the buzz seemed to fuel the Knicks throughout the game.
While Willis Reed struggled with his mobility and was not incredibly effective in the game, his presence inspired the Knicks to a Game 7 win and the NBA championship.
