Legends profile: Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller’s legendary status was largely established during his playoff games against the Knicks in the 1990s.

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Reggie Miller, a dynamic and high-scoring guard, was one of the finest shooters of any generation. He concluded his career with 2,560 successful 3-pointers, making him the NBA’s top long-distance shooter. Throughout his career, he scored a total of 25,279 points, securing the 12th spot on the league’s all-time scoring list.

Though he has been overtaken by Ray Allen and Stephen Curry as the NBA’s ultimate 3-point master since his retirement, and has also fallen a few positions on the all-time scoring list, his legend continues to be highly influential.

Miller was known and feared for his ability to make spectacular, decisive shots in a gunslinger style, which earned him both respect and animosity from his opponents. His tendency to perform heroically in the final moments of games was famously referred to as “Miller Time.”

The former UCLA Bruin, who stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs 190 pounds, was chosen as the 11th overall pick by the Indiana Pacers in the 1987 Draft. This slender athlete dedicated his entire 18-year career to the team, cementing his status as a legendary figure in the history of the Hoosier state.

While studying at UCLA, he achieved the fourth highest scoring nationally in his junior year with an average of 25.9 points per game (ppg), and then 22.3 ppg in his senior year. Upon being drafted, he was second on the school’s all-time scoring list, behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. However, despite his accomplishments, the lean shooter wasn’t received as warmly as expected by the home state fans, who favored Indiana University’s All-American guard Steve Alford.

Miller, however, holds the record for playing the most games with a single team in NBA history, surpassed only by John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz. He was instrumental in leading the Pacers from obscurity to The Finals and numerous postseason adventures. The New York Knicks, his fiercest rival, were often at the heart of his playoff drama, much of which unfolded on one of the NBA’s grandest platforms: Madison Square Garden.

Miller hailed from an exceptionally athletic family. His elder brother, Darrell, had a five-season stint as a catcher/outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels. His sister, Cheryl, was a basketball sensation at USC and is regarded as one of the outstanding female players of all time. Despite this, Miller’s commencement of a professional athletic career was notably ominous.

He was born with a hip deformity which resulted in severely splayed feet. Until the age of four, he wore leg braces to rectify the birth defect. Medical professionals were uncertain if he would ever be able to walk without assistance. When he turned five, the braces were removed and Miller endeavored to catch up with his athletically inclined siblings.

Upon entering the NBA, Miller quickly made his mark on the record books. He surpassed an eight-year record previously held by Larry Bird, by scoring 61 3-pointers in the 1987-88 season, a record for any NBA rookie. However, this record was later eclipsed by Dennis Scott, who made 125 3-pointers in the 1990-91 season.

In his first season, Miller had an average of 10.0 points per game, with a .488 field shooting rate and .355 from the 3-point range. Despite only starting one game and serving as a backup to veteran John Long, he was the sole Pacer who participated in all 82 games of that season.

Miller’s scoring average increased to 16.0 ppg in his second season, and he topped Indiana with 93 steals. However, his career didn’t truly skyrocket until the 1989-90 season.

For the second consecutive season, Miller’s scoring average skyrocketed, this time reaching a career-best 24.6 points per game – placing him as the eighth best in the NBA. His constant movement and knack for maneuvering through and around numerous screens and picks made defending against him a challenging and active task.

He was the first Pacer to participate in the NBA All-Star Game since Don Buse and Billy Knight in 1977. He also came second to Rony Seikaly of the Miami Heat for the NBA Most Improved Player Award.

In 1990, Indiana made it to the playoffs for the first time during Miller’s career, although their stint was short-lived. They were swept in a first-round series by the reigning champions, the Detroit Pistons, despite Miller’s impressive average of 20.7 points per game and .571 shooting accuracy from the field.

Larry Brown assumed the role of Indiana’s coach in 1993-94. Although Miller’s scoring average dropped to 19.9 ppg, he still ranked second in free-throw percentage and third in 3-point field-goal percentage in the league. Moreover, he became the top scorer in the team’s history and only the fourth player ever in NBA history to score 800 3-pointers in his career.

That year, the Pacers claimed victory in 47 games and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals. During the playoffs, Miller maintained an average of 23.2 points per game. However, his remarkable performance in Game 5 of the East finals against the New York Knicks stood out and could be considered his breakout performance on a national level. His presence on the court during that series reinforced the notion that the Pacers always had a potential to emerge victorious with Miller playing.

In the game, Miller scored 25 points in the fourth quarter, going 5-for-5 from the 3-point range, leading Indiana to a 93-86 comeback win at Madison Square Garden. During his scoring spree, he traded jabs with famous Knicks fan and filmmaker, Spike Lee, who was at courtside. This unexpected performance stunned the home crowd and cemented the complex relationship between Miller and the loyal Garden fans.

The Knicks secured victory in the subsequent two matches to claim the 1994 series. Despite Miller’s 25 points in Game 7, his missed 3-pointer from the right elbow in the closing seconds resulted in a 94-90 loss.

Miller’s performance in Game 5 is regarded as one of the most outstanding individual efforts in playoff history, catapulting him to stardom. During the summer, he served as one of the tri-captains of the U.S. National team. His contribution as the team’s top scorer with 17.1 ppg led the team to secure a gold medal at the 1994 World Basketball Championship.

In the 1994-95 season, Miller and the Pacers mirrored their previous performance in terms of the season’s end. Nevertheless, Miller achieved significant milestones along the way. He was elected by fans to start the 1995 All-Star Game, and was selected for the All-NBA Third Team. The Pacers had a remarkable season, setting a club record with 50 wins and securing their first division title since their transition from the ABA, where they were champions.

In the opening round of the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, Miller delivered an impressive performance, averaging 31.7 points per game. He particularly stood out in Game 2, where he contributed 39 points, 7 of which were from 3-pointers.

His defining moment as a clutch performer likely occurred in Game 1 of the conference semifinals in New York. The Pacers were trailing by six points with 16.9 seconds left when Miller scored a 3-pointer. He then intercepted the inbound pass and managed to score another 3-pointer from behind the line, tying the game. After the Knicks missed two free throws, Miller successfully made two, resulting in a final score of 107-105 and securing the Pacers’ victory.

Miller stunned the crowd and the basketball world by scoring eight points in just 8.9 seconds.

Ewing, a longtime rival, would later comment, “When you’re up against him, you feel like smacking him. Yet, when you’re on his team, you fully support him. You hold him in the highest regard. He presented himself, played hard, and did whatever it took to ensure his team’s victory… We’ve fought our battles, we’ve waged our wars. I respect him deeply.”

The flurry echoed his 25-point fourth-quarter explosion in Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals. However, this time, the Pacers managed to overcome the Knicks in the series, despite two consecutive losses. Miller ensured the Knicks’ defeat this time by scoring 29 points in Game 7 at MSG.

Miller showcased an explosive performance in the first six games during the next round against the Orlando Magic, led by Shaquille O’Neal. He managed to score 17 points in the first period of Game 1, totaling 26 for the match, and then amassed 37 in Game 2. In Game 6, he racked up 28 points in the first half, eventually ending with a 36-point game. However, he was restrained in Game 7, leading to the Pacers’ defeat, 101-85. Miller wound up the playoffs with an impressive average of 25.5 points per game.

After the 1994-95 season, Miller was selected for the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team, which eventually clinched the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Miller and the Pacers experienced disappointment in the following two seasons. Despite winning 52 games in the 1995-96 season, for the second time in a row, the Pacers’ progress was tied to Miller’s performance. A collision on April 13, which resulted in a fractured eye socket for Miller, hindered his quick recovery. Consequently, he could not assist the Pacers in overcoming the Atlanta Hawks in a first-round playoff series.

The Hawks and Pacers divided the first four games evenly without Miller participating. He made a thrilling comeback in Game 5, right in front of the home crowd at Market Square Arena. Despite his impressive 29 point contribution, the Hawks managed to secure a narrow two-point win, effectively ending Indiana’s season.

In the following season, the Pacers fell to a 39-43 record and Coach Larry Brown resigned at the end of the season.

Another Indiana legend, Larry Bird, joined the fold as the new Pacers coach prior to the 1997-98 season. Bird took over a seasoned team that consisted of Miller, Rik Smits, Dale Davis and point guard Mark Jackson, who returned to the team mid-season following a trade to Denver the previous year. Veteran sharp-shooter Chris Mullin was also added to the roster.

Following their victories over the Cavaliers and Knicks in the playoffs, Indiana proceeded to a highly-anticipated face-off with the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, in the 1998 Eastern Conference finals. The Pacers began the series with assurance, having previously tied in four regular-season games against the reigning two-time champions. After narrowly losing two games in Chicago, the Pacers marked Memorial Day Weekend with two exhilarating home victories.

Despite a sprained ankle, Miller, renowned for his playoff heroics that have shaped his excellent career, scored 13 out of his 28 points in the last four and a half minutes of the 107-105 Game 3 victory.

Despite his established reputation as a reliable performer under pressure, he was equally notorious for his grabbing and flopping tactics that either resulted in favorable referee calls or created opportunities for his own shots. His distinctive use of hands and arms played a significant role in Game 4. He was under tight defense from Jordan, but managed to destabilize Jordan with his hands, break free, and sink an incredible 3-pointer with just 2.7 seconds left, securing a 96-94 win for the Pacers.

The home teams maintained their advantage in the subsequent two games, paving the way for a Game 7 in Chicago. The Pacers, in a closely contested game, had a 72-69 edge with less than nine minutes left on the clock. Yet, the Bulls, who were on course to their third consecutive NBA championship, tightened their defense and dominated on rebounds. Scottie Pippen sealed the Pacers’ fate by landing some crucial shots towards the end, concluding the game with a score of 88-83.

In the 1998-99 season, the NBA experienced a labor lockout, resulting in a shortened 50-game schedule. The Pacers and the Miami Heat both achieved the best record in the Eastern Conference with 33-17. In terms of individual performance, Miller finished the season as the NBA’s career leader in 3-pointers made (1,702) and attempted (4,225), setting an all-time record.

The team made it to the Eastern Conference finals for the fourth time in six years. However, their journey to the NBA Finals was once again obstructed in a challenging six-game series by the unexpectedly strong eighth-seed New York Knicks.

At last, in the following season, the Pacers made it to The Finals.

Miller and the Pacers encountered a powerful Lakers team, spearheaded by O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The Pacers lost the initial two games on the road. They managed to secure victory in Game 3, which was the team’s first home game in the NBA Finals in their franchise history. They almost clinched Game 4 as well, but ultimately lost 120-118 in overtime.

Despite the Pacers defeating the Lakers 120-87 in Game 5, Los Angeles secured the series in Game 6 with a 116-111 victory in L.A. Miller had an average of 24.3 points per game in the series.

During Miller’s final five years with the Pacers, the team underwent numerous transitions, yet it was evident that he remained the team leader.

After enjoying three highly successful seasons, Bird vacated the bench, only for it to be occupied by another Indiana icon — the former IU and NBA superstar, Isiah Thomas.

As Rose emerged as a stronger offensive option in 2000-01, Miller’s offense noticeably decreased. The Pacers, now with numerous new members and less team experience, understandably faced challenges. They ended the season with a 41-41 record, securing the No. 8 seed in the East.

Once again, the Pacers’ postseason was dominated by Miller. He stunned everyone by hitting a classic 3-pointer with just 2.9 seconds remaining, securing an unexpected 79-78 win in the first game in Philadelphia. Following this, Miller managed to maintain an average of 36.0 points per game over the subsequent three games. However, despite his efforts, the Sixers bounced back and clinched the series victory in four games.

Miler spearheaded the NBA in free throw accuracy (91.1) for the fourth time in his career, second consecutive season, and third time in the recent four seasons during 2001-02. Indiana marginally improved (42-40) and landed a No. 8 seed once more.

Nonetheless, they pushed the top-seeded New Jersey Nets to the edge. In the crucial Game 5 of the first-round series, Miller scored a 40-foot 3-pointer just as time ran out, pushing the game into overtime. However, the Nets bounced back, winning 120-109 in double overtime and securing the series.

The Pacers, always evolving, quickly restructured themselves into a contender. After a two-year hiatus from the franchise, Bird came back, this time as team president. Not long after, Thomas was succeeded by Rick Carlisle, Bird’s ex-assistant coach, who was previously dismissed in Detroit despite two fruitful seasons.

The Pacers, in the 2003-04 season, finished with an NBA-best 61-21, setting a record for the franchise’s most wins. However, they were defeated by the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals after six games.

Miller’s last campaign started on the injured list due to a broken bone in his left hand, sustained during the preseason. Furthermore, a nasty brawl with the Pistons left the Pacers’ team severely depleted, with several long-term player suspitions. Despite these setbacks, Miller once again became the team’s main player, making a vigorous comeback on the now fragmented team.

In the absence of O’Neal, the team’s top scorer, he managed to score a minimum of 30 points in six different instances and nearly averaged 20 points per game.

Miller played his final game at the Garden, the venue of many of his stand-out performances, in early April. It was a somewhat anti-climatic event but not devoid of emotions. Though the Knicks were no longer in the running for the playoffs and many of their familiar opponents had moved on, the fans stayed and remembered the past battles.

At first, he was met with boos. However, as the game neared its end – a game in which he only scored 13 points – the crowd began chanting “Reg-gie, Reg-gie” and paid tribute to him with a standing ovation. Miller concluded the event by hugging Lee, who represented the Knicks’ anti-Miller sentiment.

The Pacers made a late regular season surge, not only making it to the playoffs but securing the sixth seed position. They went on to shock the Atlantic Division champions, Boston, by defeating them in seven games in the first round. Despite being at a disadvantage, the Pacers lost to the reigning champion Pistons 4-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Nevertheless, Miller gave an impressive 27-point performance in his last game.

As the game was nearing its end, Miller exited the court for the final time to the sound of prolonged applause from his hometown crowd. Brown, who was the Pistons coach at that time, kindly called a timeout. This allowed the entire Pistons team to join the crowd in continuing to celebrate him and his exceptional career.

After his impressive career, Miller became an NBA analyst for TNT prior to the 2005-06 season. His responsibilities include commentating on games and making guest analyst appearances on TNT’s Emmy award-winning show, “Inside the NBA.”

Even with all his achievements on the basketball court, Miller was not a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, his inaugural year of eligibility. However, just a year later, Miller earned his place among the all-time legends in Springfield, Mass.