Mid Summer Classic Auction 2016
Tue, Mar 8, 2016 04:00PM EST - Sat, Aug 20, 2016 11:00PM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 268
WILLIS REED AUTOGRAPHED LIMITED EDITION (#1/100) "THE CAPTAIN RETURNS" LARGE FORMAT PHOTO BY GEORGE KALINSKY GIFTED BY KALINSKY TO PETER VEC
Sold for
$1,558.80
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
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An air of uncertainty filled Madison Square Garden moments before tip-off of Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. "Will he or won't he?" was the question as fans anxiously awaited the fate of Willis Reed who missed Game 6 with a torn right thigh muscle. Pre-game warm-ups were already underway when suddenly a 6-10 figure emerged from the darkness limping his way onto the court. The sold out Garden crowd erupted as "The Captain" made his way to join his teammates. "I saw the whole Lakers team standing around and staring at this man" said Clyde Frazier who recorded 36 points 19 assists and 7 rebounds in that game.
Reed's valiant return not only shocked the Lakers but set the tempo energizing his team to victory. Reed won the opening tip from Wilt Chamberlain and scored the team's first two baskets; both from the perimeter. He never scored again however the Knicks ran the devastated Lakers out of the building winning 113-99. Said Frazier "Willis provided inspiration and I provided the devastation." Reeds' inspiring performance in leading the Knicks to their first NBA Championship is the defining moment in the history of that franchise.
That moment was captured perfectly for all time by the lens of award-winning photographer George Kalinsky. Kalinsky has famously captured some of the greatest moments and faces in the world of sports entertainment and politics. As the Official Photographer of Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall he has created countless iconic images that have stood the test of time.
The oversized 21" by 18" matted and framed photo by Kalinsky was produced from his original negative and printed on the finest photo paper. It is signed boldly by Willis Reed in black marker. In the bottom margin it has been additionally signed by Kalinsky titled "The Captain Returns" numbered "1/100" and dated "May 8 1970". The superb quality framing and matting includes a descriptive plaque and a reprint example of a full ticket for that historic game. The photo was gifted from Kalinsky to Peter Vecsey.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
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