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Former Heat, Knicks Star Anthony Mason In Critical Condition After Heart Attack

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NEW YORK (CBSMiami) – Former Miami Heat player and 13-year NBA veteran Anthony Mason is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack earlier this week.

He has since had several surgeries at a New York hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Mason has a strong connection with Heat President Pat Riley which began in the early 90's when both were a part of the New York Knicks.

In 1994 they took the Knicks to the NBA Finals but lost to the Houston Rockets in an exciting 7-game series.

The following season Mason won the NBA's Six Man Award and his tough, rugged play was a perfect fit for Riley's Knicks.

The two were reunited in Miami in the year 2000, where Mason was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game for the only time in his career.

Anthony Mason #14
(Source: Tom Hauck /Allsport)

Mason is best remembered for his time with the Knicks and still remains close friends with several of his former teammates.

Following his career, Mason was often seen at Knicks games and practices.  He was hoping to be offered a full-time job with the Knicks.  The team tweeted out this message before their Wednesday night game in Orlando.

There are multiple reports that several of Mason's former teammates were preparing themselves for the worst on Wednesday.

Mason's two sons both followed in their father's footsteps. His oldest son, Anthony Jr., played college ball for St. John's.

His younger son, Antoine, is currently playing for Auburn University after transferring from Niagara.

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