Bernard King, a dynamic force on the basketball court, captivated fans with his scoring prowess and tenacity. Born on December 4, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, King honed his skills on the playgrounds of the city before attending the University of Tennessee. His collegiate career set the stage for his entry into the NBA when the New Jersey Nets selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 1977 NBA Draft.

King's rookie season with the Nets was impressive, as he quickly established himself as a scoring machine, averaging 24.2 points per game. His ability to drive to the basket and his mid-range shooting made him a difficult matchup for defenders. However, his time with the Nets was short-lived due to off-court issues, leading to a trade to the Utah Jazz in 1979. His stint with the Jazz was brief, and he was traded again, this time to the Golden State Warriors.

In Golden State, King revitalized his career, averaging 21.9 points per game during the 1980-81 season and earning his first All-Star selection. His performance caught the attention of the New York Knicks, who acquired him in 1982. It was with the Knicks that King reached the peak of his career. During the 1983-84 season, he averaged 26.3 points per game and led the Knicks to the playoffs. The following season, King elevated his game even further, leading the league in scoring with an average of 32.9 points per game.

One of King's most memorable performances came on Christmas Day in 1984, when he scored 60 points against the New Jersey Nets, setting a Knicks franchise record. His scoring ability and competitive spirit made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately, his career faced a significant setback in March 1985 when he suffered a devastating knee injury, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. This injury sidelined him for the entire 1985-86 season and cast doubt on his future in the league.

Despite the severity of his injury, King made a remarkable comeback. After leaving the Knicks, he signed with the Washington Bullets in 1987. Overcoming the odds, he returned to All-Star form, averaging 28.4 points per game during the 1990-91 season and earning his fourth All-Star selection. King's perseverance and ability to adapt his game post-injury were testaments to his skill and determination.

King concluded his NBA career with the New Jersey Nets, the team that had originally drafted him. He retired in 1993, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prolific scorers of his era.

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