Risking Knicks Fans’ Backlash, Reggie Miller Accepted TNT and NBA’s Wish Despite Decades-Old Rivalry

Fans chanted “F*ck you, Reggie” to greet Reggie Miller at the Madison Square Garden during Game 2 between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. Knicks star Josh Hart even made a personal effort to let him know about the chants. But little did they know that’s what the boogeyman, who defeated the Knicks in the Conference Finals multiple times, wanted. It was just a matter of opportunity. And when it came, Reggie Miller didn’t hesitate. As duty called for the TNT analyst, Miller entered MSG with the same attitude he had more than two decades ago.

During his recent appearance on The Mark Jackson Show, Miller revealed that he was aware of the booing and treatment he would receive from Knicks fans. However, the Knick Killer felt compelled to do it for his job as a TNT analyst. “I knew what was going to happen if I came to Madison Square Garden during a heated rivalry because the Knicks were balling this year, have been balling, and the Pacers, you know, you’re going to relive a lot of those memories,” Miller said on the podcast.

He further added, “I’m going to call this game right down the middle like I normally do and whatever happens, happens. So it was great to be in that environment because it was very contentious and you could see it. It was only game 2.”

It was quite contentious indeed, and even the legend himself admits it. Even before the game on TNT’s pregame show, Miller had said, “I’m looking forward to the atmosphere. People ask me, ‘Aren’t you worried going back to New York City?’ I own this city, so why would I be worried?“

Just as he expected, fans weren’t impressed to see the biggest Knicks rival back on the court. One iconic moment was when the Pacers legend signed a newspaper cutout brought by Knicks loyal fan Spike Lee. The cutout featured their feud. Apparently, Miller was also feuding with famous Knicks fans in the past. The 5x All-Star had previously made a choking gesture at the famous director during Game 4 of the 1994 Conference Semi-Finals. On the other hand, Ben Stiller didn’t look happy.

Reggie Miller roasted Jost Hart after the Knicks defeat 

“I want the Knicks… I like being the bad guy,” Miller once said. The feelings haven’t changed. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks won Game 2 130-121. They went on to lose the next two games, though. After New York lost many of the best players due to injury, they succumbed to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7.

That resulted in Miller’s quick response to roast Knicks star Hart. Sharing a conversation between the two from Game 2 on his Instagram, Miller wrote, “When the series CHANGED!! Jalen Brunson you’re a true BALLER, been the best player in these playoffs, but you and your boys can all heal up together on some beautiful beaches in Cancun, please enjoy!!”

Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals saw Miller for the last time on MSG in 2000. He scored 34 points to stop the Knicks. Considering all these moments, the chants were quite predictable.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.