Can Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller inspire the team to victory vs New York Knicks?

Though it may be occurring 29 years to the day since he famously scored 8 points in 9 seconds to defeat the New York Knicks in the 1995 NBA playoffs, it goes without saying that nobody in New York would have forgotten that night. Indeed, that’s precisely why Indiana’s famous sharpshooter will likely ruffle some feathers with his presence on Wednesday night

Reggie Miller is coming back to MSG

When we consider the way in which Monday night’s contest ended, Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Pacers was always going to be a heated affair. If you missed Game 1 of the second-round series, you can read more about the outright robbery that occurred here, but alas, I digress. On Wednesday night, the Pacers will look to get back on track against a Knicks team that despite help from the officials, did in fact play some sensational basketball - we’re looking at you Jalen Brunson.

Yet, it may just be that the Pacers will do so with a secret weapon, albeit one that’s off the court. If you haven’t heard, Pacers legend Reggie Miller will be at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night for Game 2 with reports indicating that TNT is bringing him in specifically for this game. As part of the broadcast team, you can expect to hear Millers take on will undoubtedly be a contentious game. Speaking during an interview with Dan Patrick on Monday, Miller couldn’t hide his excitement, while taking a cheeky shot at the Knicks and their fans. “Just know, the Boogeyman is coming back to town to call the game,” Miller said. “I am coming.”

The Knicks and Reggie Miller go way back.

You may remember that it was Miller who was at the center of several legendary clashes between the Knicks and Pacers during the 1990s. The most famous of those of course is undoubtedly his “8 points, 9 seconds” game, however, nobody will have forgotten the infamous “choking” taunt that he made toward diehard Knicks fan and film director, Spike Lee. Consider for a moment that Miller was eventually referred to as the “Knicks Killer” due to his performances during that decade.

Surprisingly, Miller was quite matter-of-fact about the harsh reception that he expects from the crowd at MSG, one that is known for being hostile. To that end, the 5-time All-Star admitted that he would be disappointed if he isn’t targeted on Wednesday night. “I’m sure I’ll hear the chants, I’m sure I’ll hear all those naughty words,” Miller said. “I’m good with that, but I’m there to do a job, to call a game. I’m sure this will be a great series. I will be surprised during the game if I don’t hear, ‘Reggie sucks.’ Actually, I’ll be a little hurt if I don’t hear, ‘Reggie sucks.’ I kind of want that.”

Interestingly, Miller also took a moment to touch on the notorious taunt of Lee, something he explained resulted in them being “forever linked,” however, he disclosed that both have “put a lot of our baggage under the bridge.” Regardless, we should mention once again the circumstances in which Game 1 ended. To be clear, there were a multitude of calls that went against the Pacers as they fell to a 121-117 loss. Most notable among them were a kicked ball that wasn’t and a moving screen that never happened. That said, Miller did give a curious take when discussing the possibility of favoring his former team when he takes to the microphone on Wednesday night. “There won’t be any favoritism,” Miller said. “For 18 years, was I an Indiana Pacer? Absolutely. But, I’m sure I’ll hear the chants, I’m sure I’ll hear all those naughty words, I’m good with that. But I’m there to do a job, to call a game. I’m sure this will be a great series.”