Reggie Miller (Part 2)

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9 Mar 2024

Reggie Miller (Part 2)

Reggie Miller's journey with the Indiana Pacers began when he was selected with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft. Initially, some fans were disappointed with the choice, favoring Indiana native Steve Alford. This sentiment was evident during the draft when fans booed Pacers President Donnie Walsh for the selection.
Wearing jersey number 31, Miller started his Pacers career backing up shooting guard John Long before eventually assuming the role of the team's primary scoring threat, particularly after the departure of Chuck Person during the 1992 offseason.

One of the highlights of Miller's career came on November 28, 1992, when he scored a career-high 57 points against the Charlotte Hornets in a thrilling 134–122 victory at Charlotte Coliseum. Miller's performance was remarkable, as he connected on 16 of 29 field goals, including 4 of 11 from beyond the arc, and an impressive 21 of 23 free throws. His 57-point outburst remains the second-highest total in the NBA during the 1992–93 season, with only Michael Jordan's 64-point game surpassing it. Notably, Miller's 57-point performance still stands as the Pacers' NBA franchise team record. Although George McGinnis holds the Pacers' all-time franchise record with 58 points in an ABA game, Miller's achievement remains a testament to his scoring prowess and impact on the team.

Reggie Miller's iconic status was solidified during the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, particularly in Game 5 on June 1, 1994. In that game, Miller delivered a phenomenal shooting display, scoring 39 points with a staggering 25 points coming in the fourth quarter alone. His remarkable performance propelled the Pacers to a crucial 93–86 victory at Madison Square Garden.
During the fourth quarter, Miller showcased his shooting prowess by making several long-range 3-pointers, electrifying the crowd and leaving a lasting impression on the game's outcome. One memorable moment from the game was Miller's animated exchange with renowned Knicks fan Spike Lee, who was seated courtside as usual. Miller's exceptional display and his interaction with Lee added to the drama and intensity of the contest.
Despite the Pacers taking a 3–2 series lead over the heavily favored Knicks after Game 5, they were unable to close out the series, losing the next two games and ultimately falling short of advancing to the NBA Finals. However, Miller's performance in Game 5 remains etched in basketball lore as one of the most memorable individual displays in playoff history.

Reggie Miller's legendary performance on May 7, 1995, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks is etched in NBA history. In a stunning turn of events, Miller scored eight unanswered points in a mere 8.9 seconds, leading the Indiana Pacers to a remarkable 107–105 victory at Madison Square Garden.
With just 18.7 seconds remaining on the clock and the Pacers trailing 105–99, Miller received the inbound pass from Mark Jackson and drained a clutch 3-pointer. Following the improbable basket, Miller then intercepted the inbound pass from Anthony Mason, quickly dribbled behind the arc, and buried another 3-pointer, tying the game and leaving the crowd in disbelief.

The Knicks had an opportunity to regain the lead, but John Starks missed both free throws after being fouled by Sam Mitchell. Despite Patrick Ewing securing the offensive rebound, his shot rimmed out, allowing Miller to grab the crucial rebound and draw a foul with 7.5 seconds remaining. Miller calmly sank both free throws, giving the Pacers a two-point lead.
In a last-ditch effort to salvage the game, the Knicks failed to get off a shot, sealing the Pacers' improbable come-from-behind victory and shocking the basketball world. The stunning sequence of events became known as "8 Points in 8.9 Seconds," forever solidifying Miller's reputation as a clutch performer and elevating him to iconic status in NBA lore.
Although the Pacers ultimately fell short against the Orlando Magic in the Conference Finals, Miller's heroics in Game 1 against the Knicks remain one of the most memorable moments in playoff history.

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers on May 6, 2000, Reggie Miller and his teammate Jalen Rose etched their names into NBA history books by each scoring an impressive 40 points. Their combined total of 80 points set a new record for the highest-scoring pair of teammates in playoff history, propelling the Pacers to a dominant 108–91 victory over the 76ers.
Buoyed by Miller and Rose's stellar performances, the Pacers went on to win the series 4–2, securing their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fifth time in seven years. Facing off against their long-standing rivals, the New York Knicks, the Pacers delivered a decisive blow by winning the series 4–2.

In the crucial Game 6 at Madison Square Garden on June 2, 2000, Miller once again showcased his clutch prowess by pouring in 34 points, including a remarkable 17-point outburst in the fourth quarter. Miller's scoring spree propelled the Pacers to a resounding 93–80 victory over the Knicks, clinching the series and booking their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first and only time in franchise history.
However, their journey to the championship was met with formidable opposition in the form of the Los Angeles Lakers, led by the dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Despite Miller's valiant efforts, averaging an impressive 24.3 points per game in the series, the Pacers ultimately fell short as the Lakers secured a 4–2 series victory to claim the NBA title. Though the Pacers didn't emerge victorious, Miller's stellar play throughout the postseason solidified his legacy as one of the greatest clutch performers in NBA history.