Madison Square Garden: Home to landmark sporting events
According to New York City native and huge pro sports fan Ron Phillips, his city has had its fair share of landmark sporting events. From the city's college gyms to public venues, no place has witnessed sports history more than the famed Madison Square Garden.
Known as one of the world's most high-profile and well-known venues, the stadium has hosted some of the greatest sports games and fights. Today, Ron Phillips talks about some of his favorite historic sporting events at Madison Square Garden.
In 1970, New York Knicks fans witnessed the seventh game of the NBA finals between the underdog New York Knicks and the mighty Los Angeles Lakers. It was New York's first taste of an NBA Championship and wouldn't be the last. The Knicks mustered everything they could to bring the game back to their home court for a game 7 with the Lakers. Despite an injury from Knicks star Willis Reed, Walt Frazier came out big and led the Knicks to their first championship victory, scoring 113–99.
However, basketball isn't the only sport MSG features. There are a lot of iconic fights in boxing as well.
Throughout history, Muhammad Ali has been in some of the greatest fights, such as the Thrilla in Manila, the Rumble in the Jungle, and so on. But perhaps the most memorable match in all of boxing history was dubbed "The Fight of the Century." Smokin' Joe Frazier squared off against Muhammad Ali in 1971, with the match lasting 15 rounds and Frazier winning by unanimous decision.
Finally, Ron Phillips of New York mentions the retirement of the jersey of an all-time hockey great.
Hockey legend Wayne "The Great One" Gretzky had played for several teams but ended his standout career donning the Blueshirts jersey in 1999. His no. 99 jersey was raised to the rafters to join some of New York's great athletes like Walt Frazier and Willis Reed.