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Former New York Knicks forward Anthony Mason died of congestive heart failure on Saturday (Feb. 28). He was 48 years old.
According to the New York Daily News, the 13-year NBA veteran underwent multiple heart surgeries after suffering a massive heart attack earlier in February. New York Knicks rep Jonathan Supranowitz confirmed Mason’s untimely passing on Twitter.
“We would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt thoughts and strong prayers,” the Mason family said in a statement. “Anthony felt each and every one. He fought like a warrior to the very end. Please keep your prayers and thoughts with us through this very hard time – it is a great loss for us. We ask for our privacy during this time.”
Mason was an imposing figure on the court and a powerful defender on the ‘90s Knicks team. He, along with Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Charles Oakley, helped the Knicks reached the NBA Finals in 1994, where they lost to the Houston Rockets. Mason also earned a Sixth Man Award during the 1994-95 season and made his first and only All-Star Game appearance in 2001 when he played with the Miami Heat.
“My heart is heavy after learning we lost Anthony Mason last night,” said Ewing. “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 is family. May he rest in peace.”
Mason is survived by his two sons and his 90-year-old mother Mary.
Upon hearing the sad news of Mason’s passing, rappers, celebrities and athletes went on Twitter to express their condolences. Read their tweets below.
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