This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Thursday, April 2, 1970

Reed dominates the boards

Willis Reed had 36 points and a team-record 36 rebounds as the Knicks beat the Baltimore Bullets, 101-80, to take a 3-2 series lead in the first round of the playoffs. Reed, who was dealing with an aching left knee and received a cortisone shot the day before, put forth one of the best performances in the franchise's history before 19,500 at the Garden. Reed, the regular season and All-Star Game MVP, hit the bulk of his 14 field goals from close range, beating Wes Unseld in the post. His 36 rebounds surpassed Harry Gallatin's record of 33, set in 1953. The Knicks held Baltimore to 80 points, the fewest by an NBA team in the playoffs in 13 years, and went on to win the series in seven games.

Knicks 101, Bullets 80

Baltimore27 22 20 11 - 80

Knicks31 23 22 25 - 101

Baltimore (80)

Carter 3-0-6, Ellis 0-2-2, Johnson 1-5-7, Laugherty 6-4-16, Marin 6-7-19, Monroe 7-5-18, Scott 0-2-2, Unseld 5-0-10. Totals 28-24-80.

Knicks (101)

Barnett 5-1-11, Bradley 7-0-14, DeBucchere 4-5-13, Frazier 7-2-16, Reed 14-8-36, Riordan 4-1-9, Russell 1-0-2. Totals 42-17-101.