Reggie Miller (Part 1)

Reginald Wayne Miller, born on August 24, 1965, is renowned as one of the most prolific shooters in NBA history, having spent his entire illustrious 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers. Known for his exceptional three-point shooting prowess, particularly in high-pressure situations and notably against the New York Knicks, he earned the moniker "Knick Killer." Miller's remarkable career earned him widespread recognition, including five All-Star selections, induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, and inclusion in the prestigious NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.


Miller's basketball journey began at the collegiate level, where he showcased his talent for the UCLA Bruins. His outstanding performance earned him third-team All-American honors during his junior year in 1986. Subsequently, he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft as the 11th overall pick.
Throughout his NBA tenure, Miller etched his name in the league's record books, holding the record for most career 3-point field goals made at the time of his retirement. Although he currently ranks fourth on this list, behind Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, and James Harden, his impact on the game remains significant. Miller also excelled in free throw shooting, leading the league in free throw percentage on five occasions.


In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Miller represented the United States and captured a gold medal in basketball at the 1996 Summer Olympics. His contributions to the Pacers franchise were further honored when his jersey number, No. 31, was retired by the team in 2006, solidifying his status as one of the organization's all-time greats.
Following his retirement from professional basketball, Miller transitioned into a successful career as a sports commentator. He became a prominent NBA analyst for TNT and a college basketball analyst for CBS Sports, leveraging his deep understanding of the game to provide insightful commentary to fans worldwide.
Overall, Reggie Miller's impact on basketball transcends his remarkable statistics and accolades, as he remains a beloved figure in the sport and a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and clutch performance on the court.


Reggie Miller's upbringing in Riverside, California, was marked by his perseverance and determination to overcome physical challenges. Born with hip deformities, Miller faced early obstacles in walking properly. However, through years of wearing leg braces and building up his leg strength, he eventually overcame these challenges.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in athletics, Miller's siblings also excelled in sports. His brother Darrell enjoyed a career as a Major League Baseball player for the California Angels, while his sister Tammy showcased her talents in volleyball at Cal State Fullerton. However, it's Reggie's older sister Cheryl who left an indelible mark on basketball history. A Hall of Fame player and member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic gold-medal-winning basketball team, Cheryl is now renowned as an analyst for Turner Sports.


Growing up in a competitive household, Reggie often found himself facing off against Cheryl in one-on-one basketball games. It's a fond memory for Reggie, who recalls how Cheryl's dominance motivated him to refine his shooting style to overcome her shot-blocking prowess. This unorthodox shooting style ultimately became a trademark of Reggie's game and contributed to his success on the court.
Outside of sports, Reggie's brother Saul, Jr., pursued a career in music, following in their father's footsteps in military service. The Miller family's diverse talents and commitment to excellence undoubtedly played a significant role in Reggie's journey to becoming one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.


Reggie Miller's collegiate career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), was marked by numerous accomplishments and memorable performances. Graduating with a degree in history, Miller left an enduring legacy on the basketball program.
In the 1984–85 NCAA season, Miller played a pivotal role in leading the UCLA Bruins to victory in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), showcasing his talent and contributing to the team's success on the court.
During his senior season in 1986–87, Miller continued to excel, earning All-Pac-10 honors for the second consecutive year. He played a crucial role in guiding the Bruins to a Pacific-10 regular-season championship and the inaugural Pac-10 tournament championship, solidifying his status as a standout player in college basketball.


Miller's senior year also coincided with the introduction of the three-point field goal, a change that played to his strengths as a shooter. He made a significant impact from beyond the arc, with 69 of his 247 field goals coming from three-pointers during the season.
Among his standout performances was a memorable game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 24, 1987, where Miller's clutch three-point shot sealed a victory for the Bruins. Another notable game occurred on February 28, 1987, against defending national champion Louisville, where Miller's 33-point second-half outburst remains a school record.
Despite a loss in the second round of the 1987 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament to Wyoming, Miller left UCLA as the second all-time leading scorer behind Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
Even years after his collegiate career, Miller's records at UCLA remain untouched. He holds several single-season records, including most league points, highest league scoring average, and most free throws. In recognition of his contributions, UCLA retired Miller's No. 31 jersey in 2013, and he was inducted into the Pac-12 Conference Hall of Honor in 2010.

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 February 19, 2011
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15. ^ Bonk, Thomas (January 25, 1987). "UCLA Beats the Irish, Reheats the Rivalry on Late Surge, 63–59". Los Angeles Times.