Sam Mitchell began his NBA career with the then-expansion Minnesota Timberwolves. He played during the franchise's first three seasons and mostly saw losing.
That changed in 1992 when he was traded to the Indiana Pacers . Although his role diminished, he played on a winning team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 1994 and 1995. They never made the championship series, but Mitchell said his experience there taught him how to win.
Specifically, Sam talked about the Pacers' leader, Reggie Miller , who was the main motor of the winning squad in Indianapolis.
"The thing I love about Reggie is how competitive he was," said Mitchell. "Like he didn't back down from anyone. You would think Reggie was 6'9" and 265 pounds as much trash as he talked. But the fact that he was 6'7" and 185 pounds. But he was the strongest guy that I've ever been around from the standpoint of taking punishment."
Miller was one of the greatest trash-talkers
Despite his reed-thin frame, Reggie was not afraid of anyone. He trash-talked everyone, from role players to Michael Jordan, and backed up his mouth with his game. Miller did not back down from any challenge. In fact, the bigger the challenge was, the better he performed.
However, what was perhaps more impressive about Uncle Reg than his elite and clutch shot-making ability was his ability to survive in perhaps the most physical era of the NBA. Because he was slim, he got thrown around often. Despite that, he played at least 80 games in 11 of 19 seasons in the league and never suffered a serious injury.
"He didn't miss games," added Mitchell. "Anytime you put him on his butt, he got up. And the harder you hit him, the more threes he will rain on you. So Reggie got going; the more physical the game was, the more trash was being talked about. And the dirtier the game got, the better he played."
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Madison Square Garden's ultimate villain
During the 90s, no NBA game was more physical than those involving the New York Knicks. Miller always loved to play against the Knickerbockers , especially when the games were played at Madison Square Garden.
"It was being on the biggest stage," said Miller. "And to me, playing against the bullies on the block, which at the time were the New York Knicks. I mean, you're playing in the Mecca of basketball in Madison Square Garden, and you always wanted to bring your best."
Mitchell returned to Minnesota after the 1994-95 season. The Timberwolves made six straight trips to the playoffs, but Sam never experienced the same amount of postseason success he saw in Indiana. That's why 'Miller Time' will always be a special part of his NBA career.
Related: Michael Jordan paid respect to Reggie Miller after their final NBA meeting: "That kid has unbelievable heart"
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