(Originally published by the Daily News on Saturday, May 9, 1970; written by Phil Pepe)
Champs. No. 1. Top of the world.
That's the Knicks today, basketball champions at last after 1,858 games spread over 24 years of frustration. They hit the top at the Garden last night, beating the Lakers and beating them convincingly, 113-99.
They did it with their captain and leader, Willis Reed, hobbling through all but three minutes and five seconds of a courageous first half and inspiring his teammates merely with his presence on the court.
THEY DID IT with Walt Frazier, at his most magnificent best, scoring 36 points, getting a playoff record-tying 19 assists and hustling all over the court to pressure the Lakers and pick their pockets with countless steals.