Anthony Mason dies at age of 48

Anthony Mason, a longtime NBA player who helped the New York Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals, has died at the age of 48.

<cite>Brad Mangin/NBAE/Getty Images</cite>Anthony Mason played parts of 13 seasons in the NBA and was a key member of the 1993-94 Knicks team that reached the NBA Finals.




A Knicks spokesperson confirmed Mason's death to ESPN. The 13-year NBA veteran had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this month.
One of Mason's sons said earlier this week that his father was "getting better" following multiple heart surgeries.


Mason was a fan favorite during his five-year tenure with the Knicks. The 6-foot-7 forward teamed with Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and John Starks to help the Knicks win the Eastern Conference in 1994 and reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Houston Rockets in seven games.


Mason won the NBA's Sixth Man Award in 1994-95 as a member of the Knicks. He also played with the Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat following his stint with the Knicks.


ESPNNewYork.com's Ian Begley contributed to this report.

Wow, too bad.

RIP

R.i.p.

sad to hear so young

rip

shocking news,..r.i.p.

Back in 96 or 97, shortly after he got traded to Charlotte, I wound up sitting next to Mason on a flight. He was shaking hands and signing for everyone who noticed him during boarding, we bullshitted about his trade to Charlotte and making it to the finals and other age related stuff since we were both the same age. Probably the 2nd most famous passenger I sat next to after Ice T and just above Eric Bloom from Blue Oyster Cult. Mase was a beast, though, loved watching him play, sad news.