When basketball aficionados hear the name Reggie Miller, several iconic images immediately flash through their minds: the infamous “choke” sign directed at Spike Lee during the heated Knicks-Pacers rivalry, the miraculous 8 points scored in just 9 seconds against New York, and countless clutch three-pointers that earned him the moniker “Miller Time.”

As the legendary sharpshooter transitions from his illustrious 20-year broadcasting career at TNT to a new chapter at NBC Sports in 2025, it’s the perfect moment to examine the full scope of Miller’s basketball legacy and how it extends far beyond his current role behind the microphone.

The Revolutionary Sharpshooter Who Transformed the Game

Long before Stephen Curry revolutionized basketball with his long-range shooting prowess, Reggie Miller stood as one of the pioneering figures who demonstrated the devastating potential of the three-point shot.

Selected 11th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 1987 NBA Draft, Miller’s selection wasn’t initially celebrated by Pacers fans, who had hoped the team would select local Indiana University star Steve Alford.

However, this perceived slight would fuel Miller’s competitive fire throughout his career ESPN1—a competitive spirit similar to what we see in today’s college basketball programs climbing the rankings2.

Miller spent his entire 18-year professional career with one franchise—a rarity in professional sports that speaks volumes about his loyalty and impact on the organization. Only John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz played more games with a single team than Miller did with the Pacers ESPN3.

Miller’s Career By The Numbers

His career statistics tell the compelling story of a player who mastered his craft:

Statistic	Regular Season	Playoffs
Games	1,389	144
Points	25,279 (18.2 PPG)	2,972 (20.6 PPG)
Rebounds	4,182 (3.0 RPG)	416 (2.9 RPG)
Assists	4,141 (3.0 APG)	357 (2.5 APG)
Steals	1,505	146
Three-Pointers Made	2,560	320
Three-Point %	39.5%	39.0%

When he retired in 2005, Miller held the NBA record for most career three-pointers made with 2,560, a testament to his exceptional shooting ability in an era when the three-point shot wasn’t nearly as prevalent as it is today Land of Basketball4.

After retiring from professional basketball in 2005, Miller seamlessly transitioned to broadcasting

What makes Miller’s achievements even more remarkable is the historical context in which they occurred. When he entered the league in 1987, only 5.6% of shot attempts were three-pointers, with teams averaging just 5 attempts per game Reddit5. Miller didn’t just excel within the system—he helped transform it, becoming one of the key figures who demonstrated the game-changing potential of the three-point line.

Advanced Metrics Reveal Miller’s True Impact

Looking beyond traditional statistics, Miller’s advanced metrics highlight his exceptional efficiency as a scorer. His career true shooting percentage (TS%) of 61.4% is particularly impressive considering the era in which he played. For context, the league average TS% during most of Miller’s career hovered around 52-54% Basketball-Reference.com6.

Miller’s career three-point shooting percentage of 39.5% ranks him among the most efficient long-range shooters in NBA history, but this statistic doesn’t fully capture his excellence.

During an era when defenses weren’t designed to guard the perimeter as they are today, Miller faced tighter coverage on the outside and still maintained elite efficiency. His ability to shoot effectively off screens, in transition, and in clutch moments set him apart from his contemporaries NBStuffer7.

Consistency Through the Years

Statistical analysis also reveals Miller’s remarkable consistency throughout his career. Even in his final season at age 39, he maintained a three-point shooting percentage of 32.2%, demonstrating his enduring skill despite diminished athleticism Land of Basketball4.

This longevity and consistency helped cement his legacy as one of basketball’s greatest shooters—a stark contrast to the frequent transfers we see in today’s college basketball landscape8.

The Knicks Rivalry: A Cultural Phenomenon That Transcended Basketball

No examination of Reggie Miller’s legacy would be complete without exploring his legendary rivalry with the New York Knicks and their most famous courtside fan, Spike Lee.

This feud transcended basketball, becoming a cultural touchpoint that helped elevate the NBA’s popularity during the 1990s and created some of the most memorable moments in playoff history.

The rivalry reached its zenith during Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. With the series tied 2-2, Miller delivered one of the most memorable performances in playoff history, scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter alone to lead the Pacers to a 93-86 victory at Madison Square Garden Sporting News9.

Throughout the game, Miller and Lee engaged in constant verbal sparring, culminating in Miller’s infamous “choke” gesture directed at Lee after a particularly crucial basket—a moment that would be forever etched in NBA lore NBA.com10.

Former Knicks center Patrick Ewing later reflected on Miller’s competitive nature: “He’s the kind of guy, when you play against him, you want to smack him. But when you play with him, you have his back. You have the utmost respect for him. He came out, he played hard, and he did what he needed to do to help his team win.”

The 8 Points in 9 Seconds Miracle

Just one year later, Miller cemented his status as the “Knicks Killer” with perhaps his most iconic moment: scoring 8 points in just 8.9 seconds in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden. This incredible sequence—which included two three-pointers, a steal, and two free throws—stunned the New York crowd and further fueled the intense rivalry between Miller and the Knicks faithful CBS Sports11.

Bob Costas, who called the game for NBC, exclaimed after Miller’s heroics: “Did you see what he just did? Did you see what Reggie Miller just did?” This call would become as iconic as the performance itself, capturing the sheer disbelief that swept through the arena and living rooms across America.

While some critics have pointed to the “choke” gesture as unsportsmanlike, it’s essential to understand it within the context of 1990s basketball culture. The NBA of that era was defined by intense rivalries, trash-talking, and psychological warfare. His gesture wasn’t an isolated incident but part of a broader competitive environment where mental toughness was as important as physical skill.

Miller himself has explained that his trash-talking and provocative gestures were strategic tools designed to get inside opponents’ heads and gain a competitive advantage. “I knew I wasn’t the strongest, I wasn’t the fastest, I couldn’t jump the highest,” Miller once said. “So I had to find other ways to get an edge. Talking was my edge” Sporting News9.

Haliburton’s Homage: Miller’s Legacy Lives On

The enduring power of this moment was recently highlighted when Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton channeled Miller’s famous gesture during Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks. After hitting a buzzer-beating shot to tie the game and send it to overtime, Haliburton recreated the iconic choking gesture, connecting the present day to Miller’s historic performance CBS Sports12.

Miller, who was courtside as part of TNT’s broadcast crew for that game, could only laugh as Madison Square Garden descended into disbelief after Haliburton’s game-tying buzzer-beater.

The moment perfectly illustrated how Miller’s impact on basketball culture extends far beyond his playing days, becoming part of the sport’s folklore that continues to resonate with new generations of fans and players Yahoo Sports13.

New York newspapers embraced the historical connection, with the New York Post dubbing Haliburton’s gesture “Choke 2.0” and Newsday going with the pun “Choke’s on Knicks”—further cementing Miller’s legacy in NBA lore Yahoo Sports13.

Clutch Performer: The Statistical Evidence Behind “Miller Time”

While Miller’s reputation as a clutch performer is well-established through memorable moments like the 8 points in 9 seconds sequence, statistical evidence strongly supports this narrative.

According to advanced analytics, in the final nine seasons of his career (regular season and playoffs), Miller made 142 three-pointers in crunch time—defined as the last five minutes of games with the score within five points—which was 54 more than the next closest player during that span ESPN3.

In 25 elimination playoff games throughout his career, Miller averaged an impressive 22.5 points per game, significantly higher than his career regular-season average of 18.2 points. This statistical jump in high-pressure situations underscores his ability to elevate his game when the stakes were highest Essential Sports14.

Elite Playoff Efficiency

Perhaps most impressively, Miller’s true shooting percentage in playoff games (59.0%) was nearly identical to his regular-season figure, indicating that his efficiency didn’t drop off against tougher competition and increased defensive pressure. This consistency in the postseason separates Miller from many other great scorers whose efficiency declined in playoff competition Reddit15.

Beyond the numbers, Miller’s clutch reputation was cemented by several iconic game-winners, including his famous three-pointer over Michael Jordan with 2.7 seconds remaining in Game 4 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals. This shot, which gave the Pacers a 96-94 victory and tied the series at 2-2, demonstrated Miller’s fearlessness even when guarded by the game’s greatest player ESPN3.

From Hardwood to Broadcast Booth: Miller’s Second Career as a Voice of the Game

After retiring from professional basketball in 2005, Miller seamlessly transitioned to broadcasting, joining TNT as an analyst. For 20 years, he brought the same passion, insight, and occasional controversy to the broadcast booth that had characterized his playing career.

Miller’s broadcasting style has been marked by his deep knowledge of the game, candid assessments, and willingness to speak his mind—even when his opinions might be unpopular. He has called more than 650 national NBA regular season and playoff games throughout his television broadcasting career, making him fifth all-time among NBA analysts in games called NBCUniversal16.

Award-Winning Broadcasting

During his time at TNT, Miller contributed to the network’s Emmy Award-winning “Inside the NBA” program, which has won 19 Sports Emmy Awards throughout its history. His analysis has been praised for its technical depth, particularly regarding shooting mechanics and offensive strategy, areas where his expertise as one of the game’s greatest shooters provides unique insights.

In February 2025, Miller announced he would be leaving TNT to join NBC Sports as its lead game analyst starting with the 2025-26 NBA season. This move coincides with the NBA’s new 11-year rights deal worth a combined $76 billion with Amazon, ESPN, and NBC—a deal that notably excluded TNT Sports, Miller’s broadcasting home for two decades The Wrap17.

“Some of my most memorable moments have been on NBC and I’m looking forward to creating more,” Miller said in a statement announcing his move NBCUniversal16. This transition represents not just a new chapter in Miller’s broadcasting career but also a significant shift in the NBA’s media landscape.

Sam Flood, Executive Producer at NBC Sports, highlighted Miller’s unique qualifications: “As basketball fans know, not only was Reggie one of the game’s greatest shooters and clutch performers, but he was also one of its most entertaining players with a unique combination of skill and swagger. He has successfully brought those traits to his broadcasting career and consistently provides viewers with in-depth analysis while pulling no punches” NBC Sports16.

Hall of Fame Legacy: Recognition of Basketball Excellence

Miller’s contributions to basketball were officially recognized in 2012 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Interestingly, he was not a finalist in his first year of eligibility in 2011, but the oversight was quickly corrected the following year when he was enshrined among basketball’s greatest legends Bleacher Report18.

During his emotional induction speech, Miller paid special tribute to his sister, Cheryl Miller—herself a basketball legend—acknowledging her profound influence on his career and competitive spirit.

“I just so happen to live across the hall from absolutely positively the greatest women’s basketball player ever. And I’m proud to say I am not ashamed of that,” Miller said during his speech, highlighting the sibling rivalry that helped shape him into the competitor he became Bleacher Report18.

Confession Time at the Hall

Miller’s speech was notable for its humor and candor. In a lighthearted moment of confession, he admitted to some of his on-court tactics: “Greg Anthony, I confess. As you saw in the video. I admit it, I pushed. Yeah Michael, I pushed you too.” This reference was to two controversial playoff moments—his push-off against Anthony during the famous 8 points in 9 seconds sequence, and a similar move against Jordan in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals Bleacher Report18.

Beyond his Hall of Fame induction, Miller’s legacy has been further cemented by his inclusion on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, recognizing him as one of the 75 greatest players in league history. His jersey number 31 has been retired by the Indiana Pacers, and he remains the franchise’s all-time leader in points scored, assists, and steals Hoophall19.

Impact on Modern Basketball: The Three-Point Revolution

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Reggie Miller’s legacy is his influence on how the game is played today. In an era when the three-point shot has become the centerpiece of offensive strategies across the league, Miller stands as one of the pioneers who demonstrated its game-changing potential.

When the three-point line was introduced to the NBA in the 1979-80 season, it was initially viewed as a gimmick or novelty shot. Teams attempted just 2.8 three-pointers per game that season. By Miller’s rookie year (1987-88), that number had only increased to about 5 attempts per game. Today, NBA teams average over 35 three-point attempts per game—a transformation that Miller helped catalyze NBAstuffer20.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Current NBA stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Damian Lillard—all known for their exceptional three-point shooting—have cited Miller as an influence on their playing style. His ability to move without the ball, quickly release his shot, and maintain accuracy even when closely guarded are skills that remain highly valued in today’s NBA.

Basketball analyst and former coach Jeff Van Gundy once noted: “Reggie Miller was ahead of his time. He understood the value of the three-point shot before analytics made it obvious to everyone else. His movement without the ball and his quick release would make him even more devastating in today’s game” NBAstuffer7.

Miller’s career three-point shooting percentage of 39.5% is particularly impressive considering the era in which he played. Unlike today’s NBA, where offenses are specifically designed to create open three-point opportunities, Miller often had to create his own shots in an offense that wasn’t built around perimeter shooting.

A statistical comparison illustrates this point clearly: Miller attempted 4.7 three-pointers per game throughout his career, which was considered high volume for his era. In contrast, Stephen Curry has averaged 8.8 three-point attempts per game in his career, with seasons exceeding 12 attempts per game. This contextualizes Miller’s achievement and suggests that in today’s game, his shooting volume and impact might have been even greater Last Word on Sports21.

The Jordan Rivalry: Competing Against Greatness

While Miller’s rivalry with the Knicks and Spike Lee often takes center stage in discussions about his career, his competitive battles with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls represent another significant chapter in his legacy. The Pacers and Bulls met in the playoffs three times during the Jordan era, with their most memorable confrontation coming in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals.

In that series, Miller demonstrated his fearlessness against the game’s greatest player, most notably in Game 4 when he hit the game-winning three-pointer over Jordan with 2.7 seconds remaining. NBC broadcaster Bob Costas captured the moment perfectly: “One of the greatest clutch performers of his generation has apparently done it again” ESPN3.

Physical Confrontations with MJ

The Miller-Jordan rivalry also featured its share of physical confrontations. During a regular-season game in 1993, tensions boiled over when Jordan poked Miller in the eye and punched him in the back of the head. Remarkably, it was Miller who was ejected while Jordan didn’t even receive a technical foul, prompting Miller to comment, “This league is all about money” Reddit22.

Despite the intensity of their on-court battles, Miller has consistently expressed his respect for Jordan, stating in a recent interview: “To me, Michael Jordan is the greatest player. I will go to my grave with that” Reddit22. This ability to fiercely compete against and yet deeply respect his rivals speaks to Miller’s understanding of basketball as both a competitive sport and an art form.

Beyond the Microphone: Miller’s Future Impact on Basketball

As Miller prepares to begin a new chapter at NBC Sports, his influence on basketball continues to evolve. His move to NBC represents not just a career change but a significant shift in the NBA’s broadcasting landscape as the league enters a new media rights era.

In his role as lead analyst, Miller will have an opportunity to shape how a new generation of fans understands and appreciates the game. His deep knowledge, combined with his experience as both a player and broadcaster, positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between basketball’s past and its future, much like how the NCAA transfer portal23 is reshaping college basketball’s landscape.

NBC’s New NBA Coverage Plan

According to NBC’s announcement, Miller is expected to call one or more games per week during the regular season and playoffs starting in October 2025. The network will feature exclusive national Monday night games on Peacock, regional doubleheaders on Tuesday nights on NBC/Peacock, and will launch “Sunday Night Basketball” in 2026, providing NBA fans with three consecutive nights of national coverage NBCUniversal16.

The recent revival of the Pacers-Knicks rivalry in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals—complete with Haliburton’s homage to Miller’s infamous “choke” gesture—demonstrates how Miller’s legacy continues to resonate in today’s NBA. His impact extends beyond statistics and accolades to the very culture of the game itself CBS Sports12.

Conclusion: A Transformative Legacy That Continues to Evolve

Reggie Miller’s legacy is one of transformation—from transforming himself from the skinny kid living in the shadow of his famous sister to becoming one of the greatest shooters in NBA history; from transforming the Indiana Pacers from an afterthought into a perennial contender; from transforming the three-point shot from a novelty into a weapon; and from transforming himself from player to respected broadcaster.

As he moves beyond his familiar role at TNT to a new position at NBC, Miller’s journey continues to evolve. But whether on the court or behind the microphone, his impact on basketball remains undeniable. The “choke” controversy, rather than defining him negatively, has become just one chapter in the rich narrative of a player who changed the game and continues to influence it today.

In the end, Reggie Miller’s legacy extends far beyond both the hardwood and the broadcast booth. It lives in every clutch three-pointer, in every heated rivalry, and in the very DNA of modern basketball—a game that, in many ways, he helped transform.

Have you ever found yourself mimicking Reggie Miller’s shooting form or quoting one of his famous lines? What’s your favorite Miller moment—the 8 points in 9 seconds, the choke sign to Spike Lee, or perhaps another clutch performance? Let me know in the comments below!

References

Basketball Reference – Reggie Miller Stats6
Bleacher Report – Reggie Miller Hall of Fame Speech Highlights18
CBS Sports – Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton recreates Reggie Miller choke sign12
ESPN – Reggie Miller was most clutch sharpshooter3
Hoophall – Reggie Miller19
Land of Basketball – Reggie Miller Stats4
NBA.com – Pacers hand Knicks stunning OT loss as Tyrese Haliburton invokes Reggie Miller’s ‘choke’ moment10
NBCUniversal – Reggie Miller to Join NBC Sports16
NBAstuffer – The Evolution of Three-Point Shooting7
ReadsToday – NCAA Transfer Portal 202523
ReadsToday – Gophers Women’s Basketball2
ReadsToday – Top Transfer Additions8
Sporting News – Reggie Miller choke explained9
The Wrap – Reggie Miller Moves to NBC Sports from TNT17
Yahoo Sports – New York newspapers had a field day riffing on Tyrese Haliburton’s choke gesture13

Reggie Miller’s Legacy: Beyond the NBA Microphone

Reggie Miller’s Legacy: Beyond the NBA Microphone