The Day Willis Reed Schooled a Young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Willis Reed vs. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | When The Veteran Schooled The Phenom 👑 Classic NBA matchup from the 1970-71 season featuring two Hall of Fame centers — Willis Reed (28) and a young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (23, then known as Lew Alcindor) — going head-to-head in a battle for NBA supremacy. The New York Knicks entered this game holding the NBA's all-time longest winning streak record (18 games, set during their 1969-70 championship season). The Milwaukee Bucks brought their own 16-game winning streak into the matchup, led by a young, dominant Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ready to take over the league. But before Kareem became a six-time NBA champion, six-time MVP, and the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, he had to go through Willis Reed — "The Captain" — the 1970 NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and All-Star Game MVP. Watch as Willis Reed showcases the smooth mid-range jumper, footwork, and veteran poise that made him one of the greatest centers in basketball history. 🏀 SUBSCRIBE for more classic NBA highlights, vintage basketball matchups, and legendary player showdowns.