Knick glory: The 1970 climax of the Cinderella run

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Peter Max. Almost 50 years ago, the New York Knicks won their last championship. It was a titanic battle between two of the biggest franchises in the league. The Los Angeles Lakers had put together quite a team (as it always has) and were surprised that the Knicks forced everyone to a seventh game.

In the fifth game, Knicks leader, Willis Reed tore his right thigh muscle. The Lakers, behind the strength of their superstars, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor, pounced and destroyed the Knicks in game six. Peter Max.

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It looked bleak for the Knicks, even with the seventh game being played in their own Madison Square Garden. Until, of course, the impossible happened.

Out from the Knicks dugout limped their wounded captain, Willis Reed, all dressed up to do battle one last time that season in a scene that would forever be one of the most inspiring in league history.

Peter Max. While he was nowhere near 100%, Reed did manage to score a few points and cause the dominant Chamberlain to miss more than just a few shots of his own.

Reed’s actions not only revitalized the fans, but it also fed into the collective energy of the Knicks. Another Knick legend and NBA Hall-of-Famer Walt Frazier took it from there, scoring 36 points and dishing out 19 assists, capturing the title for the fabled franchise. Peter Max.

How to support a friend suffering from depression

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A cry for help. Peter Max.
Helping a friend who is suffering from depression isn’t the same as someone with a typical health condition. Clinical depression is one of the most serious forms of mental health problems today. While medication can be prescribed to suppress certain urges, it is simply one aspect in the long road toward the battle with depression. There’s also tackling the source of depression, such as trauma or abuse, as well as communicating with them properly. Peter Max.

Communicating properly
Peter Max. Chances are, it’s difficult to communicate with a friend suffering from depression. They can choose not to talk about it, ignore it, or even pretend that they are okay. If they do decide to speak, it’s important to set boundaries and know which words hurt and which ones work. Don’t assume that they are seeking advice. Sometimes, all they need is for someone to listen to them vent. Peter Max.

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Be patient
Depression doesn’t go away in a day, a week, or a month. Chances are, a person will be fighting depression for the rest of their life. Ask if they are comfortable being asked questions like “How are you doing?” or if it’s okay to check up on them every once in a while. If they are inactive with their social life, make an effort to see if they are doing well. Peter Max.

Watch out for signs of worsening depression
It’s not unheard of for a person suffering from depression to spiral out of control. They could end up losing their appetite, drinking more, abusing substances, or shutting themselves away from the world. This could lead to life-threatening situations, so be observant. Peter Max.