Reggie Miller
The Knick Killer who terrorized New York but never hit a game-winning shot in Cleveland.
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.
- Role
- Primary Scorer / Clutch Shooter
- Affiliation
- Indiana Pacers
- Key Era
- 1987–2005
- Status
- Hall of Fame Legend (Inducted 2012)
- Defining Moment
- Eight points in 8.9 seconds vs. New York Knicks (May 7, 1995)
- Career High Points
- 57 (vs. Charlotte Hornets, November 28, 1992)
Verified Timeline
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.
In Their Own Story
On May 25, 1998, the Pacers faced the defending champion Chicago Bulls in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Market Square Arena. Trailing 94–93 with only 2.9 seconds remaining, Miller broke free from Michael Jordan to catch an inbound pass from Derrick McKey. He turned and sank a game-winning three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left on the clock. Although the series eventually went to seven games in Chicago where the Bulls won 88–83, that moment in Indiana stands as a defining highlight of Miller's career. Earlier in his tenure, on November 28, 1992, Miller set the Pacers' franchise record with 57 points against the Charlotte Hornets, hitting 4 of 11 three-pointers and making 21 of 23 free throws.
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?
- Miller held the NBA record for most career 3-point field goals made at retirement; his 2,560 three-pointers now rank seventh all-time.
- He was born with hip deformities and wore braces on both legs for several years to correct his walking.
- His older sister Cheryl Miller is a Hall of Fame basketball player who used to beat him in 1-on-1 games before his professional career.
- Miller scored a career-high 57 points against the Charlotte Hornets on November 28, 1992.
- He still holds UCLA single-season records for most league points, highest league scoring average, and most free throws as of 2009.
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.
What is his current legacy status?
Miller was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, solidifying his status as an all-time legend. He also contributed to Team USA by winning a gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
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