The New York Knicks played the Miami Heat on Sunday. Despite New York having the more stacked team, the Heat walked away with a 115-107 win. There is plenty of rivalry between the two franchises going back to the 1990s. However, an even older rivalry played out during the game.
Walt Frazier is a Knicks legend. He’s also on the call for their games. Frazier won two NBA championships and was a 7-time All-Star during his New York tenure. Pat Riley is the main man in Miami now; many call him the Godfather. He rose to prominence as the head coach of the Showtime Lakers. Before all that, though, he was a role player.
Advertisement
MORE: Austin Reaves matches Kobe Bryant after incredible performance in LA Lakers win
Frazier and Riley entered the league in 1967 as part of the same draft class. Walt was the 5th overall pick, Pat the 7th. But despite how close together they were picked, Frazier was leagues ahead as a player. And during the Heat-Knicks clash on Sunday, he used that fact to throw some light-hearted shade at Riley.
“Riley and I entered the league the same year,” Frazier began. “He tried to guard me, and that’s how he ended up as a coach.” This is lighthearted ribbing from Walt, of course, even though there is some truth to it. Riley and Frazier go way back, both have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
Advertisement
Miami Heat president Pat Riley sits in the arena before the game between the Miami Heat and the Memphis Grizzlies at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
While Frazier may have enjoyed a better playing career, Riley has made his mark on the game as a coach and an executive. He is one of the most influential figures in NBA history. Of course, the Knicks man knows this too, and seems to be enjoying some banter at the Godfather’s expense.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
NFL:New York Giants dealt huge offensive injury blow against Philadelphia Eagles
Advertisement
CFB:LSU pulls the plug on Brian Kelly era
NBA:Wild Terry Rozier stat revealed on ‘Inside the NBA’ amid FBI sports betting scandal
MMA:UFC 321 results: Mackenzie Dern wins gold, Gruesome eye poke ends night
MLB:3 reasons to root for Toronto Blue Jays in 2025 World Series