Reggie Miller

Last updated

Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller crop.png
Miller in 2010
Personal information
Born (1965-08-24) August 24, 1965 (age 58)
Riverside, California, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school Riverside Polytechnic
(Riverside, California)
College UCLA (1983–1987)
NBA draft 1987: 1st round, 11th overall pick
Selected by the Indiana Pacers
Playing career1987–2005
Position Shooting guard
Number31
Career history
19872005 Indiana Pacers
Career highlights and awards
Career NBA statistics
Points 25,279 (18.2 ppg)
Rebounds 4,182 (3.0 rpg)
Assists 4,141 (3.0 apg)
Stats   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg at NBA.com
Stats   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg at Basketball-Reference.com
Basketball Hall of Fame as player
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing the Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1996 Atlanta Men's basketball
FIBA World Championship
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1994 Canada Men's basketball

Reginald Wayne Miller (born August 24, 1965) is an American former professional basketball player who played his entire 18-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Indiana Pacers. Widely recognized as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, he was known for his precision three-point shooting, especially in pressure situations and most notably against the New York Knicks, for which he earned the nickname "Knick Killer". [1] [2] [3] [4] A five-time All-Star selection, Miller was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. [5] [6]

Contents

Miller played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins, earning third-team All-American honors as a junior in 1986. He was selected by Indiana in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft with the 11th overall pick. When he retired from playing, Miller held the NBA record for most career 3-point field goals made. He is currently fifth on the list behind Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, James Harden, and Damian Lillard. Miller led the league in free throw percentage five times and won a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics. His No. 31 was retired by the Pacers in 2006. [7] Miller is widely regarded as the Pacers' greatest player of all time. [8] [9] [10] After his playing career, he became an NBA commentator for TNT and college basketball analyst for CBS Sports. [11]

Early life

Miller was born in Riverside, California, and attended Riverside Polytechnic High School. He was born with hip deformities, which prevented him from walking correctly. After a few years of continuously wearing braces on both legs, his leg strength grew enough to compensate. [12]

One of five siblings, he comes from an athletic family. His brother Darrell is a former Major League Baseball player; his sister Tammy played volleyball at Cal State Fullerton; and his older sister Cheryl is also a Hall of Fame basketball player. Cheryl was a member of the 1984 U.S. gold-medal-winning Olympic basketball team and is an analyst for Turner Sports. One of the family anecdotes Reggie likes to recall was when Cheryl used to beat him in games of 1-on-1 prior to his professional career. [13] According to Reggie, they quit playing when he could finally block Cheryl's shots.

Miller says his unorthodox shooting style was developed to arc his shot over his sister's constant shot blocking. [14] His brother, Saul, Jr., became a musician and followed in his father's footsteps in military service.

College

Miller with the ball against Washington State University, 1985 Reggie Miller in game vs WSU, 1985.jpg
Miller with the ball against Washington State University, 1985

Miller attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he received a degree in history. [15] In the 1984–85 NCAA season he helped the UCLA Bruins to an NIT championship. In Miller's senior season, 1986–87, he was an All-Pac-10 selection for the second straight year, and led the Bruins to a Pacific-10 regular-season championship and the first Pac-10 tournament championship.

The three-point field goal was added for the 1986–87 season; 69 of Miller's 247 field goals that year were three-pointers. One of his most memorable performances was in the January 24, 1987, game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he hit a 24-foot (7.3 m) shot to put the Bruins ahead 62–59 with 10 seconds left. [16] Another notable game was a win against defending national champion Louisville and Pervis Ellison on February 28, 1987, where Miller scored 33 points in the second half, which is still the school record. [17]

Miller's final game was a loss in the second round of the 1987 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament to Wyoming. He finished second in all-time scoring at UCLA behind only Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

As of 2009, Miller still holds the UCLA single-season records for most league points, highest league scoring average, and most free throws. He also holds several individual game records. [17] UCLA retired his No. 31 jersey in 2013, [18] and he was inducted into the Pac-12 Conference Hall of Honor in 2010. [19]

NBA career

Early career (1987–1993)

Miller was selected by the Pacers with the 11th pick in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft. [20] Fans were initially upset that the Pacers chose Miller over New Castle, Indiana, native Steve Alford; fans watching the 1987 NBA draft booed Pacers President Donnie Walsh for the selection. [20] Miller wore jersey number 31 while playing for the Pacers, backing up shooting guard John Long before he became a starter. Miller gained a respectable reputation early in his career as he led the Indiana Pacers to become a perennial playoff team.

After Chuck Person was traded from the Pacers during the 1992 offseason, Miller established himself as the Pacers' primary scoring threat. [21] On November 28, 1992, he scored a career-high 57 points against the Charlotte Hornets in a 134–122 win at Charlotte Coliseum. In this game, Miller hit 16 of 29 field goals, 4 of 11 3-pointers, and 21 of 23 free throws. [22] The 57 points he scored was the second-highest total in the NBA during the 1992–93 season (only Michael Jordan's 64 against Orlando on January 16 was higher), and still stands today as the Pacers' NBA franchise team record, although George McGinnis holds the Pacers all-time franchise record with 58 points in an ABA game. [23]

Mid-career (1993–2000)

Miller became a household name during the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks, due to a phenomenal shooting performance in Game 5 on June 1, 1994, in which he scored 39 points (25 in the fourth quarter alone) in the Pacers' 93–86 victory at Madison Square Garden. Miller made several long 3-pointers during the quarter and engaged in an animated discussion of his ongoing performance with noted Knicks fan Spike Lee, who was, as always, seated courtside. The win gave the Pacers a 3–2 series lead over the heavily favored Knicks, but they lost the next two games and the series. [24]

Miller's public feud with film director Spike Lee generated controversy for several years in the NBA playoffs. Spike Lee 1.jpg
Miller's public feud with film director Spike Lee generated controversy for several years in the NBA playoffs.

"Eight points in nine seconds"

On May 7, 1995, Miller scored eight unanswered points in 8.9 seconds in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, leading the Pacers to a 107–105 victory. [25] With 18.7 seconds remaining and the Pacers trailing 105–99, Miller took the inbound pass from Mark Jackson, made a 3-pointer, stole the inbound pass from Anthony Mason, dribbled back behind the arc and tied the game with another 3, stunning the crowd at Madison Square Garden. [25] On the ensuing possession, Knicks guard John Starks was fouled by Sam Mitchell. Starks missed both free throws, and although Patrick Ewing managed to get the offensive rebound, his shot was just a bit long and hit the back rim. [25] Miller got the rebound and was fouled with 7.5 seconds left. He made both free throws. Trailing by 2, New York had one last chance to win the game but failed to get a shot off, giving the Pacers a shocking 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series. [25]

The Pacers outlasted the Knicks in seven games before losing to the Orlando Magic in the Conference Finals in seven games, just like the previous year. [26] Near the end of the 1996 season, Miller fell to the floor and suffered an eye injury, leaving him unable to play in the playoffs until Game 5 of the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, where he wore goggles. The Pacers lost to the Hawks and were eliminated. [27]

Around this time, Miller hosted a talk show on WTHR called The Reggie Miller Show. [28] After missing the playoffs in the 1997 season, the Pacers returned to the postseason in 1998. They defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers [29] and Knicks [30] en route to the Eastern Conference Finals where they faced Michael Jordan and the defending champion Bulls. On May 25, 1998, the Pacers trailed Chicago 2–1 in the series and were behind 94–93 in Game 4 at home in Market Square Arena with 2.9 seconds left. Miller got free from Jordan, caught the inbound pass from Derrick McKey, turned and made a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds to go. The Pacers eventually pushed the series to a decisive Game 7 in Chicago, a game in which the Pacers led in the fourth quarter before fading in the final two minutes. The Bulls won 88–83 [31] and went on to win their sixth and final championship of the Michael Jordan/Scottie Pippen era.

Following Jordan's retirement, Miller and the Pacers were considered one of the favorites in the East heading into the lockout-shortened 1999 season. After earning the No. 2 seed in the East, the Pacers once again met the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. That series came to a disappointing end for Indiana, as the eighth-seeded Knicks upset the Pacers in six games. [32] In the decisive sixth game, Miller had one of the worst performances of his career, scoring just 8 points on 3-of-18 shooting from the field. He also missed seven of his eight 3-point attempts. [33]

NBA Finals appearance

Miller (right) taking a shot during Game 5 of the 2000 NBA Finals. Reggie2 2 work.tif
Miller (right) taking a shot during Game 5 of the 2000 NBA Finals.

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers on May 6, 2000, Miller and teammate Jalen Rose each scored 40 points—becoming the highest-scoring pair of teammates in playoff history, in the Pacers' 108–91 victory. [34] The Pacers won that series 4–2 and returned to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fifth time in seven years. [35] This time they finally broke through, defeating the rival Knicks 4–2. [36] Game 6 at Madison Square Garden on June 2, 2000, was sealed by Miller's 34 points, with 17 coming in the fourth quarter to help Indiana clinch the series with a 93–80 victory over the Knicks. [37]

The Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals for the first and only time in franchise history, facing the Los Angeles Lakers led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. The Pacers lost the series 4–2 as Miller averaged 24.3 points per game for the series. [38]

Later career and retirement (2000–2005)

The Pacers struggled the next year, falling to the 8th seed in the East. In Game 1 of the First Round of the playoffs against the 76ers, Miller hit the game-winning three with 2.9 seconds left to secure a 79-78 victory. The eventual Eastern Conference champion 76ers took the next three games to give the Pacers a quick exit. [39]

Miller warms up before a game in 2003 Reggie Miller 2003 (cropped).jpg
Miller warms up before a game in 2003

In 2002, Miller almost single-handedly eliminated the top seed and eventual Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Nets in the fifth and final game of the first round of the playoffs. First, following two missed free throws from New Jersey's Richard Jefferson, Miller sent the game into overtime by banking in a 40-foot (12 m) three-pointer at the buzzer. Next, with the Pacers down by two points in the final seconds of the first overtime, Miller drove into the lane and dunked over three Nets defenders to send the game into a second overtime. While the Pacers eventually lost to the Nets 120–109, the game added another chapter to Miller's legacy as a clutch performer. [40]

In the twilight of his career, Miller deferred his leadership role to All-Star teammate Jermaine O'Neal. Miller was an important locker-room leader for his team and served as an inspiration to his teammates who wanted to "win one [a championship] for 'Uncle Reg'". While Miller was no longer the team's leading scorer, he remained a go-to player in crunch time to the end of his career. O'Neal's respect for Miller was most evident on January 4, 2005, when after scoring 55 points against the Milwaukee Bucks, O'Neal agreed to be taken out of the game with 1:43 remaining to preserve Miller's record of 57 points. [41]

In 2005, following the lengthy suspensions of star teammates O'Neal, Stephen Jackson, and Ron Artest for a brawl with fans in Detroit, Miller averaged nearly 20 points per game for stretches of the season. He scored 39 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 18 at the age of 39. [42] In January, Miller angrily shot down rumors that he would retire at the end of the season, saying that if he did decide to retire, he would announce it through his sister Cheryl. On February 10, Cheryl, now a sideline reporter for TNT, reported that her brother had told her the previous day that he would indeed retire. [43] [44]

Miller, before waving the green flag at the 2005 Indianapolis 500, days after his final game with the Pacers Reggie Miller Indianapolis 500-2.jpg
Miller, before waving the green flag at the 2005 Indianapolis 500, days after his final game with the Pacers

On April 11, in a game against the Toronto Raptors, Miller passed Jerry West to move into 12th on the NBA's all-time scoring list. [45] [46]

Miller's last game was on May 19, 2005, at Conseco Fieldhouse, when the Pacers lost 88–79 to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, ending the series 4–2. [47] In the game, Miller led the Pacers with 27 points, making 11 out of 16 field goals including four of eight three-pointers. [48] When he was taken out with 15.7 seconds to play, the Indianapolis crowd gave him a final standing ovation. Then-Pistons coach (and former Pacers coach) Larry Brown called an additional timeout during which the Pistons players joined in the ovation, a moment which provided closure to Miller's career and to a season that had been overshadowed by the brawl between the two teams. [49] This won the 2005 Best Moment ESPY Award. [50]

Over his 18-year NBA career, Miller made over $105 million in salary, playing in 1,389 games for the Pacers. [51] He is one of five NBA players who spent an entire career of 18 or more seasons with a single franchise. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Miller is one of only nine players to join the 50–40–90 club and has made 2,560 3-pointers in his career, which was an NBA record at the time of his retirement. His record was later broken by Ray Allen, who was later surpassed by Stephen Curry. [51] To commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Miller as the 47th greatest player in NBA history. [52]

NBA career statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage 3P%  3-point field goal percentage FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game APG  Assists per game SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high
 * Led the league

Regular season

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
1987–88 Indiana 82122.4.488.355.8012.31.6.6.210.0
1988–89 Indiana 747034.3.479.402.8443.93.11.3.416.0
1989–90 Indiana 828238.9.514.414.8683.63.81.3.224.6
1990–91 Indiana 828236.2.512.348.918*3.44.01.3.222.6
1991–92 Indiana 828238.0.501.378.8583.93.81.3.320.7
1992–93 Indiana 828236.0.479.399.8803.13.21.5.321.2
1993–94 Indiana 797933.4.503.421.9082.73.11.5.319.9
1994–95 Indiana 818132.9.462.415.8972.63.01.2.219.6
1995–96 Indiana 767634.5.473.410.8632.83.31.0.221.1
1996–97 Indiana 818136.6.444.427.8803.53.4.9.321.6
1997–98 Indiana 818134.5.477.429.8682.92.11.0.119.5
1998–99 Indiana 50*50*35.7.438.385.915*2.72.2.7.218.4
1999–00 Indiana 818136.9.448.408.9193.02.31.0.318.1
2000–01 Indiana 818139.3.440.366.928*3.53.21.0.218.9
2001–02 Indiana 797936.6.453.406.911*2.83.21.1.116.5
2002–03 Indiana 707030.2.441.355.9002.52.4.9.112.6
2003–04 Indiana 808028.2.438.401.8852.43.1.8.110.0
2004–05 Indiana 666631.9.437.322.933*2.42.2.8.114.8
Career1,3891,30434.3.471.395.8883.03.01.1.218.2
All-Star5119.2.457.263.7501.02.01.0.28.0

Playoffs

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
1990 Indiana 3341.7.571.429.9054.02.01.0.020.7
1991 Indiana 5538.6.486.421.8653.22.81.6.421.6
1992 Indiana 3343.3.581.636.8002.34.71.3.027.0
1993 Indiana 4443.8.533.526.9473.02.8.8.031.5
1994 Indiana 161636.0.448.422.8393.02.91.3.223.2
1995 Indiana 171737.7.476.422.8603.62.1.9.225.5
1996 Indiana 1131.0.412.333.8671.01.01.0.029.0
1998 Indiana 161639.3.426.400.9041.82.01.2.219.9
1999 Indiana 131337.0.397.333.8953.92.6.7.220.2
2000 Indiana 222240.5.452.395.9382.42.71.0.424.0
2001 Indiana 4444.3.456.429.9335.02.5.8.531.3
2002 Indiana 5539.6.506.419.8753.22.81.6.223.6
2003 Indiana 6629.3.283.160.9132.32.3.2.29.2
2004 Indiana 161628.4.402.375.9222.32.81.1.210.1
2005 Indiana 131333.1.434.318.9413.11.5.8.114.8
Career14414436.9.449.390.8932.92.51.0.220.6

National team career

Miller was a member of two gold medal-winning teams, the US national team for the 1994 FIBA World Championship and the Olympic men's basketball team in 1996. He averaged 17.1 points, 52.6% shooting, and was 19 for 20 from free throws and was second-leading scorer behind Shaquille O'Neal in the 1994 tournament. In 1996, he averaged 11.4 points and had the second-highest total points (91). He started 5 out of the 8 games and shared the shooting guard rotation with Mitch Richmond. He did not return to the USA Team until the 2002 FIBA World Championship. The 2002 team did not win that year's championship, losing to FR Yugoslavia in the quarterfinals. The tournament marked the first time that NBA players competed against international competition and lost. Miller was injured during the 2002 World Championships and played limited minutes.

Off the court

Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller TNT.jpg
Miller working an NBA on TNT telecast with Mike Fratello (left) and Marv Albert (right).
Years active2005–present
Sports commentary career
Genre color commentator
Sport(s) NBA, NCAA men's basketball
Employer

Miller served as the 2005 Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshal. Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, OSB of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis opened the day with the prayer "Keep these drivers safe and God bless Reggie!" before Miller waved the green flag to start the race. [53]

In August 2005, Miller announced his plans to join TNT as an NBA analyst; his sister, Cheryl is an NBA sideline reporter for the network. Miller once served as guest host of the network television talk show Live with Regis and Kelly , filling in for host Regis Philbin. Miller is currently a host on TNT's NBA coverage and also answers "Reggie's Mailbag".

Miller's number 31 was retired at halftime in a ceremony on March 30, 2006, at Conseco Fieldhouse. [54]

In June 2005, Miller also became a weekly contributor to The Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio, providing the show with commentary. [55] Beginning in 2011, Miller has worked as a TV analyst for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship tournament.

Miller currently splits his time between residences in Malibu, California, and Fishers, Indiana. Miller previously put his 15,000-square-foot (1,400 m2) Fishers mansion, located on Geist Reservoir, up for sale for $7.5 million. The listing has since been removed without Miller selling the residence.

On August 8, 2007, Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and head coach Doc Rivers discussed with him about joining their revamped roster including Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and longtime Celtic Paul Pierce in a reserve role. [56] On August 12, his former coach Rick Carlisle was quoted as saying "we (Miller and I) talked about it and agreed that it was something that deserved careful consideration." [57] On August 24, 2007, his 42nd birthday, Miller decided against any comeback, stating: "Physically, I know I could have done it. But mentally, when you do something like this, you've either got to be all in or all out. And I've decided I'm all out." [58]

Miller with Ray Allen and Steph Curry, recognized as the three greatest shooters in NBA history Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, and Steph Curry (51914299077).jpg
Miller with Ray Allen and Steph Curry, recognized as the three greatest shooters in NBA history

A documentary titled Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks [59] premiered to the public on March 14, 2010, on ESPN. Miller announced in December 2009 that there would be a Special Premiere Movie event on Friday, Feb 26, at Conseco Fieldhouse. [60] The documentary was directed by Peabody Award-winner Dan Klores.

During his career, he performed a voice role in the Disney-animated TV series Hercules ; after retirement, he appeared in a comedy role in Uncle Drew in 2018 and appeared in the seventeenth season of the American reality competition television series Hell's Kitchen as one of the guest celebrity athletes assigned to contestants to serve as culinary students. [61]

In December 2020 he was voted onto the USA Cycling Board of Directors. [62]

Achievements

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indiana Pacers</span> National Basketball Association team in Indianapolis, Indiana

The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. The Pacers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Korver</span> American basketball player (born 1981)

Kyle Elliot Korver is an American former professional basketball player who currently serves as the assistant general manager for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Creighton Bluejays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George McGinnis</span> American basketball player (1950–2023)

George F. McGinnis was an American professional basketball player who played 11 seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers, earning third-team All-American honors in 1971, before starting his pro career in the ABA with the Indiana Pacers. A three-time ABA All-Star with the Pacers, McGinnis was named the ABA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1975 and won two ABA championships with the team. He was a three-time NBA All-Star with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was named to the ABA All-Time Team and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000 NBA Finals</span> 2000 basketball championship series

The 2000 NBA Finals was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1999–2000 season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers 4 games to 2. The series was played under a best-of-seven format, with the Lakers holding home court advantage. The series featured the number one seeds from both conferences. Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the series, his first of three consecutive honors, in arguably one of the best NBA Finals performances in history putting up 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 2000 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1999–2000 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers four games to two. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1998 NBA playoffs</span> Postseason tournament

The 1998 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997–98 season. The tournament concluded with the two-time defending NBA champion and Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Bulls achieved a second three peat, a goal unrivaled since the Boston Celtics in 1966. Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the sixth and final time.

The 1999–2000 NBA season was the Lakers' 52nd season in the National Basketball Association, and 40th season in Los Angeles. It was also the Lakers first season playing in their new arena, the Staples Center, becoming co-tenants with their crosstown rival, the Los Angeles Clippers. During the off-season, the team re-acquired former Lakers forward A.C. Green from the Dallas Mavericks, and signed free agents Ron Harper, Brian Shaw and John Salley. Green won two championships with the Lakers in the 1980s, and Salley won three championships with the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls. More significantly, the Lakers hired former Bulls coach Phil Jackson, who would go on to help the team win five NBA championships over the course of the next 12 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Knicks–Pacers rivalry</span> National Basketball Association rivalry

The Knicks–Pacers rivalry is a basketball rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The rivalry started in 1977 and quickly became one of the most bitter in NBA history. They met in the playoffs 6 times from 1993 to 2000, fueling a rivalry epitomized by the enmity between Pacer Reggie Miller and prominent Knick fan Spike Lee. Miller likened it to the Hatfield–McCoy feud, and The New York Times said in 1998 that it was "as combustible as any in the league". There is a mutual level of respect for both teams consistently demonstrating effort, grit, and physicality during each encounter.

The 1993–94 NBA season was the Pacers' 18th season in the National Basketball Association, and 27th season as a franchise. The Pacers would undergo several changes as the club hired Larry Brown as head coach, acquired Derrick McKey from the Seattle SuperSonics, and signed free agent Haywoode Workman in the off-season. In December, the team signed free agent Byron Scott, who won championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. The Pacers got off to a rough start losing six of their first seven games, then later lost five straight in December leading to a 10–16 start. However, the team posted a 7-game winning streak between January and February, holding a 23–23 record at the All-Star break, and would play .500 ball until April. By winning their final eight games of the season, the Pacers were able to grab the #5 seed in the Eastern Conference and close out the season with a 47–35 record, fourth in the Central Division.

The 1994–95 NBA season was the Pacers' 19th season in the National Basketball Association, and 28th season as a franchise. After appearing in their first Conference finals, the Pacers improved their fortunes by acquiring point guard Mark Jackson from the Los Angeles Clippers, and signing free agent Duane Ferrell during the off-season. The Pacers got off to a solid 14–6 start, then went on a 7-game winning streak in February. After holding a 27–19 record at the All-Star break, the team went 25–11 for the remainder of the season, as they won their first Division title since joining the NBA. The Pacers finished the season first place in the Central Division with a 52–30 record.

The 1998–99 NBA season was the Pacers' 23rd season in the National Basketball Association, and 32nd season as a franchise. On March 23, 1998, the owners of all 29 NBA teams voted 27–2 to reopen the league's collective bargaining agreement, seeking changes to the league's salary cap system, and a ceiling on individual player salaries. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) opposed to the owners' plan, and wanted raises for players who earned the league's minimum salary. After both sides failed to reach an agreement, the owners called for a lockout, which began on July 1, 1998, putting a hold on all team trades, free agent signings and training camp workouts, and cancelling many NBA regular season and preseason games. Due to the lockout, the NBA All-Star Game, which was scheduled to be played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 14, 1999, was also cancelled. However, on January 6, 1999, NBA commissioner David Stern, and NBPA director Billy Hunter finally reached an agreement to end the lockout. The deal was approved by both the players and owners, and was signed on January 20, ending the lockout after 204 days. The regular season began on February 5, and was cut short to just 50 games instead of the regular 82-game schedule.

The 1999–2000 NBA season was the Pacers' 24th season in the National Basketball Association, and 33rd season as a franchise. It was also their first season playing at the Conseco Fieldhouse. During the off-season, the Pacers acquired top draft pick and high school star Jonathan Bender from the Toronto Raptors, and acquired rookie center Jeff Foster from the Golden State Warriors. The Pacers played around .500 with a 7–7 start to the season, but then won 15 of their next 17 games, and held a 32–16 record at the All-Star break. The team finished first place in the Central Division with a 56–26 record, highlighted by a franchise-best 25-game winning streak at home, which was worthy of the Eastern Conference first seed in the playoffs, guaranteed home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time in franchise history, and an all-time franchise best win–loss record.

The 1994–95 New York Knicks season was the 49th season for the Knicks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Knicks entered the season as runner-ups of the 1994 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Houston Rockets in seven games. During the off-season, the Knicks acquired Doug Christie from the Los Angeles Lakers. In the 1994 NBA draft, the team selected small forward Monty Williams out of Notre Dame University with the 24th overall pick, and selected point guard Charlie Ward out of Florida State University with the 26th overall pick. However, Christie only played twelve games, because of an ankle injury, and Ward only played ten games due to a wrist injury. In December, the team released Doc Rivers to free agency; Rivers later signed as a free agent with the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks had a 12–12 start to the season, but then won 17 of their next 19 games, held a 30–16 record at the All-Star break, and posted a 55–27 record in the Atlantic Division. They finished in second place, two games behind the top-seeded Orlando Magic. By earning the #3 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks qualified for the NBA playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.

The 1997–98 NBA season was the Pacers' 22nd season in the National Basketball Association, and 31st season as a franchise. In the off-season, the Pacers hired former Indiana State and Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird as head coach, acquired All-Star forward Chris Mullin from the Golden State Warriors, and signed free agent Mark West. Bird and Mullin were once teammates on the "Dream Team" from the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. The Pacers struggled early in the season losing five of their first seven games, but then won 15 of their next 18 games, and held the best record in the Eastern Conference at 33–13 before the All-Star break. The Pacers won nine of their final eleven games, and returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence finishing second in the Central Division with a 58–24 record. It was also the first time since joining the NBA that the Pacers finished with a winning road record. The Pacers had the fifth best team defensive rating in the NBA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul George</span> American basketball player (born 1990)

Paul Clifton Anthony George is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "PG-13", he is a nine-time NBA All-Star and six-time member of the All-NBA Team, as well as a four-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team.

The 1992–93 NBA season was the Pacers' 17th season in the National Basketball Association, and 26th season as a franchise. The Pacers had the fourteenth overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft, and selected Malik Sealy out of St. John's University, and acquired Pooh Richardson and Sam Mitchell from the Minnesota Timberwolves during the off-season. The team played mediocre basketball once again, losing six straight games between December and January after a 13–10 start, then went on a 7-game losing streak in February, and held a 23–28 record at the All-Star break. However, they would recover and play above .500 for the remainder of the season. On the final day of the regular season, the Pacers defeated the Miami Heat, 94–88 at home on April 24, finishing fifth in the Central Division with a 41–41 record, and winning a tie-breaker over the Orlando Magic for the #8 seed in the Eastern Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victor Oladipo</span> American basketball player (born 1992)

Kehinde Babatunde Victor Oladipo is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers, where in the 2012–2013 season he was named the Sporting News Men's College Basketball Player of the Year, the Co-NABC Defensive Player of the Year, and a first-team All-American by the USBWA and Sporting News. That year, he was also named the winner of the Adolph Rupp Trophy, given annually to the top player in men's NCAA Division I basketball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Myles Turner</span> American basketball player (born 1996)

Myles Christian Turner is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played one season for the Texas Longhorns before declaring for the 2015 NBA draft and being selected by the Pacers with the 11th overall pick.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaron Holiday</span> American basketball player (born 1996)

Aaron Shawn Holiday is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The guard played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins, where he earned All-American recognition. He was selected by the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft with the 23rd overall pick.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duane Washington Jr.</span> American basketball player (born 2000)

Duane Eddy Washington Jr. is a German-American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League. The son of former NBA player Duane Washington, he played college basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

References

  1. Rhoden, William C. (June 3, 2000). "Sports of The Times; Miller Leaves Calling Card For Knicks". The New York Times . Retrieved January 28, 2008. His three fourth-quarter 3-pointers accomplished something that no other team—no other player—had accomplished during this year's playoffs. Those shots took the Knicks' will. Miller revived his imprimatur as the Knick-killer. He ended a season and may well have ended a Knicks era.
  2. Brown, Clifton (May 18, 1995). "1995 NBA PLAYOFFS; Knicks Sweat It Out Until End but Force Game 6". The New York Times. Retrieved January 28, 2008. And Reggie Miller, the Knick-killer, still had one more scare for New York, even after what turned out to be Ewing's game-winning shot.
  3. Abrams, Jonathan (February 18, 2011), "A Big Absence: No Reggie Miller on the Hall's List", The New York Times , p. B9, archived from the original on June 6, 2022
  4. "Top 15 shooters in NBA history: CBS Sports ranks the greatest of all time, from Stephen Curry to Ray Allen". CBS Sports. June 2, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  5. "NBA: Reggie Miller elected to Hall of Fame". Press Enterprise. April 2, 2012. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  6. "NBA 75". NBA.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  7. "Pacers to retire Reggie's No. 31 in March". November 3, 2005. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
  8. "Pacers announce 40th anniversary team". NBA.com . Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  9. "Hoops Manifesto - The Sports Daily". The Sports Daily. Archived from the original on February 21, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  10. Rosa, Poch de la. "Ranking the Top 25 Players in Indiana Pacers NBA History". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  11. "Reggie Miller Joins Albert on TNT Team". Oklahoman.com. October 19, 2007. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  12. "Legends profile: Reggie Miller | NBA.com". www.nba.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  13. Frisar, Joe (June 5, 2012). "Chapter Three: Standing Tall". Reggie Miller: From Downtown. Sports Publishing. ISBN   9781613212516.
  14. "Reggie Miller – a Star Library biography". Indystar.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2010. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  15. "NBA.com: Reggie Miller Bio". Archived from the original on July 16, 2006. Retrieved July 22, 2006.
  16. Bonk, Thomas (January 25, 1987). "UCLA Beats the Irish, Reheats the Rivalry on Late Surge, 63–59". Los Angeles Times.
  17. 1 2 UCLA Bruins Basketball media guide (PDF copy available from www.uclabruins.com Archived May 24, 2019, at the Wayback Machine )
  18. Wang, Jack; Wolf, Scott (January 30, 2013). "Reggie Miller sees Bruins retire his No. 31 jersey". Daily News. Los Angeles. Archived from the original on April 8, 2013.
  19. Balderas, Al (February 8, 2010). "UCLA basketball: Reggie Miller to be honored". The Orange County Register . Archived from the original on August 4, 2010.
  20. 1 2 Thomas Bonk (June 23, 1987). "NBA DRAFT : UCLA's Miller Surprised at Being Picked by Indiana". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  21. "Richardson Traded to Pacers, Timberwolves Get Person : NBA: Former UCLA star will be reunited with Reggie Miller. Pistons trade John Salley to the Heat". Los Angeles Times . September 9, 1992. Archived from the original on August 15, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  22. "Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Hornets Box Score, November 28, 1992". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  23. Montieth, Mark (September 8, 2017). "At the Top of his Career, McGinnis Remained Down to Earth". National Basketball Association . Archived from the original on April 20, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  24. "1994 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Pacers vs. Knicks". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  25. 1 2 3 4 Wheat Hotchkiss (May 7, 2020). ""I Almost Fell Over": An Oral History of Reggie Miller's 8 Points in 9 Seconds". NBA.com . Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  26. "1995 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Pacers vs. Magic". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  27. Weinberg, Rick (June 9, 2004). "90: Reggie Miller scores 8 points in 11 seconds". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2007. Retrieved December 6, 2007.
  28. "Indianapolis Monthly – Google Books". March 1996. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  29. "1998 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Cavaliers vs. Pacers". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  30. "1998 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Knicks vs. Pacers". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  31. "1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Pacers vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  32. "1999 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Knicks vs. Pacers". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  33. "Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks Box Score, June 11, 1999". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  34. "Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers Box Score, May 6, 2000". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  35. "2000 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals 76ers vs. Pacers". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  36. "2000 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Knicks vs. Pacers". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  37. "Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks Box Score, June 2, 2000". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  38. "2000 NBA Finals Pacers vs. Lakers". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  39. "2001 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Pacers vs. 76ers". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  40. "Nets survive two OTs for second series win". ESPN. May 2, 2002. Archived from the original on February 3, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  41. "Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers – Recap – January 04, 2005". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  42. "Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers Box Score, March 18, 2005". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  43. "Reggie Miller to retire at end of season". WTHR. February 11, 2005. Archived from the original on January 30, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  44. Conrad Brunner (February 11, 2005). "Reggie Says "I Just Believe It's Time"". NBA.com . Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  45. "Miller passes West in Pacers win". Deseret News. April 12, 2005. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  46. "Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors Box Score, April 11, 2005". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  47. "2005 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Pacers vs. Pistons". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  48. "Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers Box Score, May 19, 2005". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  49. Mark Montieth (August 24, 2015). "Reggie Conquered an Age-Old Challenge". NBA.com . Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  50. "Winners at the 13th annual ESPY Awards". ESPN. July 13, 2005. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  51. 1 2 "Reggie Miller NBA & ABA Statistics". Basketball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  52. Kravitz, Bob. "NBA 75: At No. 47, Reggie Miller's battles in the family driveway forged his unique style and ability to step up in the clutch". The Athletic. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  53. Reggie's Wave at the Indi500 Archived November 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Reggie Miller Waves Flag at Indianapolis 500
  54. "Reggie To Enter Pacers Pantheon Tonight". Indiana Pacers. Archived from the original on February 21, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  55. "BlinkBits - Blog for Business & Finance Resources & Tips". BlinkBits. Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  56. Adande, J.A. (August 10, 2007). "Celtics call Miller, who is considering return to NBA". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2010.
  57. Shira Springer, They Back His Comeback Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine , The Boston Globe
  58. "Miller Won't Return to the NBA". Archived from the original on March 22, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  59. "Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks". ESPN 30 for 30. June 17, 1994. Archived from the original on February 25, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  60. "Reggie Miller Winning Time". NBA.com. Archived from the original on May 12, 2010. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  61. Santos, Arvin (January 25, 2018). "Video: Reggie Miller appears on Hell's Kitchen episode". Clutchpoints. Archived from the original on April 24, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  62. "NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller Joins USA Cycling Board". Cyclingtips.com. December 8, 2020. Archived from the original on July 31, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  63. "Reggie Miller NBA & ABA Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
  64. "Reggie Miller". Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on June 4, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2021.