Reggie Miller and Spike Lee have been iconic figures associated with the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks since the 1990s. Their relationship, characterized by dramatic shifts, has been largely influenced by the outcome of playoff series between their respective teams.
While Lee could be seen as a mere courtside fan, he developed a penchant for getting into the opposing players' minds during games at Madison Square Garden. Reggie was also a target of Spike's harrasnment, resulting in the five-time All-Star labeling him a 'fair-weather' fan years after his retirement.
Miller took a jab at Lee
The Pacers vs. Knicks rivalry of the '90s, where they faced off on six occasions in the playoffs, birthed the iconic Miller-Lee dynamic. Every time the 6'7" shooting guard played at the MSG, he and Lee would engage in a back-and-forth.
Their most iconic interaction occurred in Games 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, where Miller , spurred by Spike's constant taunts, erupted for 25 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Pacers to a win that put them up 3-2 in the series. Indiana's star even made a choking gesture toward the legendary filmmaker.
Still, Miller and Lee's interactions evolved into a playful relationship after the legendary sharpshooter retired. Years later, when Reg transitioned to broadcasting, he seized an opportunity to call out Spike.
During Game 5 of the 2021 Playoffs, when the Atlanta Hawks were dominating the Knicks at home and were well poised to clinch the series, cameras caught Lee sneaking out of the arena early. That is when the Pacers legend couldn't resist playfully teasing the Academy Award winner.
"Come on. That's a fair-weather fan right there. If you’re going to be the No. 1 supporter of the Knicks, you’ve got to stay here and take it like the guys on the floor," Miller said .
Related: "You're not more athletic" - Kenny Smith believes that the current generation of NBA players is not more athletic than the old-school one
All love between Reggie and Spike
When Miller took a seat as a commentator during the Pacers vs. Knicks series in the 2024 playoffs, fans showered him with 'fu** you' chants. However, Lee admitted he holds nothing but respect for the Pacers legend, saying their past jawing is behind them, and now it’s all love .
It’s clear that while they enjoy throwing playful jabs at each other, there's nothing but mutual respect between the two iconic figures of their respective fields.
Related: Reggie Miller shares why he truly hates the Knicks: "They think they are God’s gift to basketball"
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