Since 1995, Reggie Miller has been the villain that everyone in New York loves to hate. His Western Conference semifinal heroics for the Pacers by scoring 8 points in 9 seconds is the stuff of legend for Indiana fans and one of the nightmares for the Knicks.
After returning to the famed Madison Square Garden for commentary duties, Reggie Miller renewed hostilities with the Knicks before game 2 of the series. Miller accused the home team of playing with an unfair advantage and said, “You’re playing 5 vs 8…you’re playing the officials as well.”
He did not stop there though, he continued to call out the Knicks and said, “People are like ‘aren’t you worried about going back to NYC & calling a game?’ No. I’ve owned this city. I’ve owned this building.” While the NBA legend was saying this, Knicks superfan Ben Stiller was caught in the frame pointing fingers towards Miller.
The hate stems from his series heroics against the Knicks, which reached its peak in game 7 of the 1995 playoff series. Miller dropped 29 points in that game to send the NY franchise packing before falling to Shaquille O’Neal and his Orlando Magic side.
The Knicks fans retaliated at the dying embers of the game, and they made sure their opinion of Reggie was heard loud and clear.
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Knicks Fans Hurl Obscene Chant at Reggie Miller
With around 30 seconds remaining on the clock before the final buzzer, Madison Square Garden suddenly came alive. Chants of “F**k you Reggie” broke out in the arena, which kept going even after the end of the game.
The Knicks’ Josh Hart also went up to the 5-time NBA All-Star to let him know what was being chanted. For Miller, it was a double slap as the Knicks came out winning 130-121 to establish a 2-0 lead in the series. Despite Tyrese Haliburton’s game-high 34 points, Jalen Brunson drove the Knicks to victory with his 29 points after overcoming an injury.
Thankfully for Reggie, the next game will be played at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the home team will look to cut the deficit to remain in the series.
