Reggie Miller, the legendary NBA player known for his intense rivalry with the New York Knicks, made a surprise visit to Madison Square Garden on May 8, 2024. This time around, he was there not as a player but as an analyst for TNT's coverage of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks.
As Miller walked through the tunnel leading to the broadcast booth, he couldn't help but reminisce about his past encounters with Knicks fans. During his playing days, Miller was notorious for his clutch shotmaking, trashtalking, and gamesmanship that made him a hated figure in New York.
One of Miller's most memorable moments at Madison Square Garden came during Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Trailing by nine points with just over a minute remaining, Miller scored eight points in the final nine seconds to give the Pacers a stunning victory. The Knicks fans were not pleased and made their displeasure known during TNT's coverage of Game 2.
As Miller spoke about his experiences at Madison Square Garden, Josh Hart, a current player for the Knicks, leaned over from the court to inform him about the chanting crowd. Hart shared a light-hearted moment with Miller before returning to the game.
Miller's longtime rivalry with Spike Lee was also brought up during TNT's coverage. The two had exchanged barbs throughout their careers, but they have since put their differences aside and are now friends. Spike Lee presented Miller with framed copies of New York Daily News and NY Post headlines commemorating their past encounters.
Another surprise guest during TNT's coverage was Ben Stiller. As Miller spoke about the animosity he faced from Knicks fans, Stiller entered the shot and mimed shouting at Miller. The two shared a laugh before hugging it out on the sideline.
Despite his past experiences with New York fans, Miller expressed that he was looking forward to calling the game and being back in Madison Square Garden. He acknowledged that he would likely hear some jeers but was ready for the challenge.