Kings Rule Over The Garden The Stuff of Legends
Knicks Legends Honored During Halftime Ceremony |
All, that is, except Bernard King, who made his mark in the Mecca of Basketball in essentially three short, yet unforgettable seasons in the early-to-mid-1980’s.
While technically a member of the Knicks from 1982-87, he missed the entire 1985-86 season due to a devastating knee injury. After a lengthy recovery process, he appeared in just six games in 1986-87, and was released after the season.
Yet despite his short-live career in the Big Apple, King left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fan base, who welcomed back No. 30 with open arms and a standing ovation.
The 6-foot-7, 205-pounder from Brooklyn become the first and only Knick in franchise history to lead the league in scoring in 1985 when he averaged 32.9 ppg. In both 1984 and 1985, he was an NBA All-Star and a First Team All-NBA player.
King is best known in Knicks lure for his back-to-back 50-point games on January 31 against the San Antonio Spurs and February 1 against the Dallas Mavericks in 1984. His 60-point performance later that year on Christmas Day versus the Nets is the most by a Knicks player in franchise history, and was a Garden record that stood until Kobe Bryant scored 61 early last month.
King suffered his fateful injury on March 23, 1985. Exactly fourteen years to the day, he stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest to ever play the game -- players who are in awe of what he accomplished during his short stint on Broadway.
“There have been a lot of good players to play in this organization, and a lot of what helped [get us recognized for this award] is that we were good enough to stay for a lot of years,” said Willis Reed, who was recognized for his accomplishments on Broadway in the 1960’s. “Bernard is the guy who played the fewest number of years with the organization, but he was phenomenal. I mean, this guy could score. I never had that ability. I wish I could have had that offensive ability and swagger like him.”
To be honored as a Knicks Legend means a lot to King, who relished the award and chance to be back on the court one more time in front of his hometown fans.
“To be a part of this group that is being honored is a very special thing,” he said as a smile crept over him. “[Being on the court] seemed like old times, running down the left side of the floor.”
