Reggie Miller 8 Points in 9 Seconds
Eight points in nine seconds: Reggie Miller's legendary playoff outburst.
Reggie Miller scored eight points in 8.9 seconds in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks on May 7, 1995, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 107–105 victory.
- Player
- Reggie Miller
- Team
- Indiana Pacers
- Opponent
- New York Knicks
- Event
- 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 5
- Points Scored
- 8 points in 9 seconds
- Result
- Forced Overtime (Pacers won series 4-3)
- Status
- Legendary clutch performance—often cited as one of the greatest comebacks in NBA playoff history
Lore & Background
With 18.7 seconds remaining and the Pacers trailing 105–99, Miller took the inbound pass from Mark Jackson, made a 3-pointer, stole the inbound pass from Anthony Mason, dribbled back behind the arc and tied the game with another 3, stunning the crowd at Madison Square Garden. On the ensuing possession, Knicks guard John Starks was fouled by Sam Mitchell. Starks missed both free throws, and although Patrick Ewing managed to get the offensive rebound, his shot was just a bit long and hit the back rim. Miller got the rebound and was fouled with 7.5 seconds left. He made both free throws. Trailing by 2, New York had one last chance to win the game but failed to get a shot off, giving the Pacers a shocking 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
In Their Own Story
The noise inside Madison Square Garden was a physical force, a wall of sound meant to swallow the visiting Pacers whole. With 18 seconds left and the Knicks up by two, the ball found Reggie Miller's hands. He didn't flinch. A quick dribble to the right wing, a high-arcing release, and the net snapped clean—tied game. The Garden's roar faltered, but the Pacers' bench was already screaming, knowing what came next. On the inbound pass, with seconds evaporating, Miller caught, stepped back, and fired from deep again. The ball hung in the air like a held breath. Swish. Time expired.
Reader's Guide
The Pacers outlasted the Knicks in seven games before losing to the Orlando Magic in the Conference Finals in seven games.
Did You Know?
- Miller scored eight unanswered points in 8.9 seconds.
- The game was played at Madison Square Garden.
- Miller made two 3-pointers and two free throws during the sequence.
- The Pacers won the game 107–105.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happened during Reggie Miller's '8 Points in 9 Seconds'?
With under ten seconds remaining, Miller scored eight consecutive points against the New York Knicks to erase a six-point deficit. This sequence included two free throws and three jumpers that forced the game into overtime.
When did this legendary moment take place?
It occurred on May 7, 1995, during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden. The Pacers were facing elimination by their arch-rivals in a tightly contested series.
Why is this considered the greatest moment in Indiana Pacers history?
This play saved the franchise from being eliminated from the playoffs while trailing 2-3 in the series. It instantly transformed Miller into an icon of clutch performance and defined his rivalry with New York.
Who did Reggie Miller score against during this record-breaking possession?
He scored these points against the New York Knicks, a team that had previously defeated him in earlier playoff rounds. The moment took place in front of a hostile crowd at Madison Square Garden.
Did the Pacers win the game after Miller's scoring run?
Yes, Indiana won the overtime period to take a 3-2 series lead and eventually advance by winning Game 6. This victory is widely regarded as one of the most important wins in franchise history.
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