My Unforgettable Season--1970

The New York Knicks, founded in 1946, hired Holzman as a scout in 1958; nine years later he became the coach. In the meantime management assembled the nucleus of a winning team with the acquisition of Willis Reed in 1964. Gradually other top athletes were added--Bill Bradley, Walt Frazier and Dave DeBusschere among them--and in 1970 the Knicks won their first NBA championship. With admirable modesty Holzman, ably assisted by New York Post sportswriter Lewin, plays down his own role in this triumph, although his emphasis on defense was a crucial factor. Most significant, however, was the concentration on teamwork--``Everybody gives up the ball,'' commented one opponent. The story of this banner year is a rousing one, and well told, although the two concluding chapters involving a ``fantasy game'' between the 1970 Knicks and the 1992 Chicago Bulls are irrelevant. Photos not seen by PW. (Mar.)