George Kalinsky, the legendary photographer who spent more than 50 years documenting everything that happened at Madison Square Garden, has died.
He was 88 years old.
Carincy also remembers Willis Reed limping out of the Knicks' tunnel in the 1970 NBA Finals, Muhammad Ali's “Game of the Century” with Joe Frazier, and the Rangers winning the 1994 Stanley Cup. He photographed historic sporting events, including championship games.
He also covered countless important concerts and non-sporting moments within the gardens, including the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979.
“I just heard that. My condolences go out to his family,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said Friday night before a 116-99 loss to the Timberwolves at The Garden. “Just a great guy. What he did was really great. He captured so many great moments in the gardens.
“Plus, the kind of person he was, he always made everyone feel good, and I can't say more about a person than that. He was just a wonderful, wonderful person, an amazing He was a photographer. And the way he captured everything that happened here was really special.”
The Long Island native began working as MSG's official photographer in 1966, but reportedly died of natural causes and complications from Parkinson's disease, according to Newsday.
“For more than 50 years, George has been synonymous with Madison Square Garden,” MSG said in a statement. “There wasn't a single important moment in the world's most famous arena that George didn't capture.
“From Willis Reed's emotional walk in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals to the 'Game of the Century' between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, George and his lenses were there.”
Friday also marked Thibodeau's 67th birthday, just like the late Ali.
“I can't remember that long ago, but I realize how lucky I was,” Thibodeau said. “Obviously you need some luck.”
“I've been around a lot of great coaches, great players, great organizations. When you get to do what you love, you have a great appreciation for it.”
Jericho Sims started at center for the fifth time this season, replacing Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb), and had no points (0-for-2) and grabbed five rebounds in 19 minutes.
Precious Achiuwa played several minutes with Sims, recording six points and nine rebounds in 36 minutes.
