For Knick fans of the 90’s Anthony Mason was one of the toughest Knicks to put on the uniform. Mase as he was affectionally known as…set the tone for toughness for the Knicks. That’s saying a lot when you consider the Knicks had John Starks, Charles Oakley Derek Harper and Patrick Ewing. Mason played a complete game, he rebounded, shot the ball well, defended well and passed extremely well for a big man, which impressed one time Knick coach Don Nelson so much he tried to run the offense through Anthony Mason, not through Patrick Ewing. Obviously we know how well that went over. But the point being that there was nothing that Mason didn’t do well on the court, all in the cause to help the team win.
Mason won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1995. He was named to the 1996-’97 All-NBA Third Team and to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He led the league in minutes played in 1995-’96 (3,457), also setting a Knicks record with the number. He also led the league in minutes played per game in 1996-97 (43.1).
Best known for this quote “We were either gonna win the game or win the fight.” it was this spirit that typified the Knicks in the 90’s.
Smallthoughts: Old School Tuesday salutes one of the toughest and grittiest Knicks to put on the uniform …Anthony Mason.
Anthony Mason passed away on February 28,2015 due to massive heart attack and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure on February 11, 2015. Anthony Mason was 48 years old.
From Associate Head Coach Patrick Ewing, a former Knicks teammate of Mason’s:
“My heart is heavy after learning we lost Anthony Mason last night. We were teammates on the Knicks for five great seasons. Mase came to play every night and was always ready to go to battle with me every time we stepped on the court together. I will remember him for his strength, determination and perseverance. My thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.”
“My Man , My Man A.Mason RIP We Gonna miss u brother”…Charles Oakley.
| Career history | |
|---|---|
| 1988–1989 | Efes Pilsen |
| 1989–1990 | New Jersey Nets |
| 1990–1991 | Tulsa Fast Breakers (CBA) |
| 1990–1991 | Marinos de Anzoátegui (Venezuela) |
| 1990 | Denver Nuggets |
| 1991–1996 | New York Knicks |
| 1996–2000 | Charlotte Hornets |
| 2000–2001 | Miami Heat |
| 2001–2003 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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|
| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 9,656 |
| Rebounds | 7,279 |
| Assists | 2,963 |
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