Cleveland Cavaliers Codexery

Reggie Miller

The Knick Killer who terrorized New York but never hit a game-winning shot in Cleveland.

Reggie Miller

via Wikipedia: Reggie Miller · see source

Reginald Wayne Miller (born August 24, 1965) is an American former professional basketball player who played his entire 18-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. A five-time All-Star, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Quick Facts

Born
24 August 1965
Birthplace
Riverside, California, U.S.
High school
Riverside Polytechnic (Riverside, California)
College
UCLA (1983–1987)
Draft round
1
Draft pick
11
Drafted by
Indiana Pacers
Career position
Shooting guard

Lore & Background

Miller is widely recognized as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, 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'. His most famous clutch performances occurred at Madison Square Garden, including scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals and scoring eight points in 8.9 seconds in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Reader's Guide

Miller played college basketball for UCLA, earning third-team All-American honors in 1986. He was selected by the Pacers with the 11th overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft. He led the league in free throw percentage five times and won a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics. His jersey number 31 was retired by the Pacers in 2006. After his playing career, he became an NBA commentator for TNT and a college basketball analyst for CBS Sports.

Did You Know?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Reggie Miller and which team did he play for?

Reginald Wayne Miller spent his entire eighteen-year professional career playing point guard for the Indiana Pacers. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history and earned the nickname "Knick Killer" before retiring in 2005.

Why is he considered a key rival for Cleveland Cavaliers fans?

As a dominant force in the Eastern Conference, Miller and the Pacers frequently blocked other teams' paths to the playoffs during his tenure from 1987 to 2005. His clutch performances made him a significant obstacle for any divisional competitor aiming for a championship.

What specific skill defined his playing style?

Miller was renowned for his precision three-point shooting and led the league in free throw percentage five times during his career. He retired holding the NBA record for most career three-point field goals made at that time.

What is his most famous game moment?

His defining highlight occurred on May 7, 1995, when he scored eight points in just 8.9 seconds against the New York Knicks to force overtime. This play cemented his reputation as a player who could change games instantly under pressure.

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