Reggie Miller's 8 Points in 9 Seconds (1995 Playoffs)

Lore & Background

The 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals pitted the Pacers against their bitter rivals, the New York Knicks. Game 1 at Madison Square Garden was a defensive slugfest, and with under 20 seconds left, the Knicks led 105-99, seemingly in control. Then Reggie Miller, known for his sharpshooting and flair for the dramatic, ignited a sequence that would defy belief. He caught an inbounds pass, pump-faked John Starks into the air, and drained a three-pointer while being fouled by Starks—completing a four-point play with the free throw to make it 105-102. After a Knicks timeout, Miller stole the inbounds pass from Anthony Mason, stepped back behind the arc, and fired again—swish. Tied at 105-105. The Knicks' Patrick Ewing was fouled (by Dale Davis) with 13.2 seconds left but missed both free throws. Rik Smits grabbed the rebound, and Miller was fouled by John Starks on the ensuing inbounds pass. Miller calmly sank two free throws to give the Pacers a 107-105 lead. Patrick Ewing's potential game-tying shot rimmed out, and the Pacers escaped with an improbable win.

Reader's Guide

Reggie Miller's 8 Points in 9 Seconds is the gold standard for late-game heroics in NBA playoff history. Occurring on May 7, 1995, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden, the feat saw Miller score eight points in the final 18.7 seconds of regulation, with the decisive burst coming in just nine seconds. The sequence included two three-pointers and two free throws, turning a 105-99 deficit into a 107-105 victory for the Indiana Pacers. This moment is significant not only for its sheer improbability but also for its impact on the Pacers-Knicks rivalry and Miller's legacy. It demoralized the heavily favored Knicks and propelled the Pacers to a series win, eventually reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. The '8 Points in 9 Seconds' remains a staple of NBA highlight reels and a testament to clutch performance under pressure.

Did You Know?

• After hitting the second three-pointer, Miller made a 'choke' gesture toward Knicks fan and superfan Spike Lee, who had been heckling him all game.
• Miller finished the game with 31 points, including 8 in the final 18.7 seconds, on 10-of-17 shooting.