Anthony Mason, a bruising power forward who personified the gritty Knicks of the mid-'90s, died early Saturday morning. He was 48.
The homegrown product from Springfield Gardens High School in Queens suffered a massive Feb. 11 heart attack and never recovered.
Mason played 13 seasons in the NBA with six teams but is best remembered for his days as a huge fan favorite with the Knicks.
Mason's career averages - 10.9 points, 8.3 rebounds - don't tell the full story of his game. A solid, muscular presence down low, Mason was there to play defense, and on coach Pat Riley's bruising teams, he could shine.