George Kalinsky Photo Credit: New York Knicks

George Kalinsky, an award-winning photographer who captured iconic events at Madison Square Garden for more than 50 years, died Thursday. He was 88.

The New York Knicks honored Kalinsky with a moment of silence before Friday night’s game, with MSG PA announcer Mike Walczewski telling the crowd, “He was a giant in the world of photography and an integral part of the history of Madison Square Garden.”

Some of Kalinsky’s most famous work featured the Knicks, including his iconic image of injured star Willis Reed walking out on the court for Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, before the team won the title. But after becoming the official MSG photographer in 1966, he also captured a litany of other images from the building’s rich history, including Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s “Fight of the Century” in 1971, the New York Rangers winning the Stanley Cup in 1994, John Lennon’s final live performance, Pope John Paul II’s 1979 visit, and several national political conventions. He also served as the New York Mets’ photographer.

Here’s a tribute the Knicks aired to Kalinsky Friday:

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau warmly remembered Kalinsky before Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“I just heard and my condolences go out to his family,” Thibodeau said (via The New York Post). “Just a wonderful man. So great at what he did. He captured so many big moments at the Garden.

“On top of that, just who he was as a person, he always made everybody feel good, and you can’t say anything more about a person. He was just a great, great guy and a fantastic photographer. And the way he captured everything that happened here was really special.”

A native of Hempstead, New York, Kalinsky won many honors, including International Photographer of the Year in 2001.

Kalinsky’s sports media colleagues and fans paid tribute to him on social media.

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.