The New York Knicks enjoyed a resurgence in the 1990s thanks to the presence of Pat Riley, Patrick Ewing, and supporting cast of hard-nosed players that refused to back down from anybody. One of those players was Anthony Mason, and he passed away early Saturday morning.
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Mason had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier in the month, and medical reports indicated that the 48-year old was in bad shape. He underwent multiple heart surgeries, but ultimately succumbed to his condition, according to ESPN.
"First I want to thank all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciates it," his son, Anthony Mason Jr., said Saturday. "Overnight, New York City and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother ... but more than anything our father, Anthony Mason. As you all would expect our father -- Big Mase -- put up an incredible fight, dealing with a severe heart issue. I'm wishing this was something else I was writing, but Pops we've got to let you know we love you and know you'll always be with us."
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Mason played for six teams during his 13-year career, including the Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat, but he was best known for his tenure with the Knicks, where he was a fan favorite.
Mason was a tough, physical player that embodied the spirit of Riley's Knicks teams, and he spiced things up on the court with his always-different and interesting haircuts.
Mason won the Sixth Man of the Year award with the Knicks, and he was part of the roster that went to the 1994 NBA Finals, where New York lost to the Houston Rockets in seven games.
"Anthony was a multifaceted individual," his longtime agent Don Cronson told ESPN.com's Ian O'Connor. "There were many aspects to his personality, and some that people weren't aware of. In the best sense of the term he was a momma's boy. From the day I met him he was always thinking of his mom and taking care of her. As rough and tough as he was, Anthony was also a doting father, and I saw that many times."
He continued: "Anthony willed himself into the NBA, and very few players can do that. Any NBA team could've had him for a nickel, and he turned out to be the perfect Pat Riley player. I think Pat saw a lot of himself in Anthony, and really they were the same guy. That's why they butted heads as often as they did. They were both blue-collar guys and fighters. Anthony told me, 'Pat Riley was the one who gave me my chance. He's the one who saw something in me when nobody else did.'"
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