Reggie Miller led the Indiana Pacers to a fair few spectacular wins against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden during his playing career. Miller now got to witness one as a commentator too, as the Pacers roared back from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Knicks 138-135 in overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
The Pacers nearly won in regulation itself, but Tyrese Haliburton's right toe was on the three-point line, which meant his circus shot at the buzzer only tied the game. Haliburton thought his shot had won the game, though, as he recreated Miller's choke celebration after making it.
Reggie Miller reacts after the game between the LA Clippers against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Reggie Miller reacts after the game between the LA Clippers against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Miller had done the choking gesture toward Spike Lee in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Pacers and Knicks in 1994. He scored 25 points in the fourth quarter of that game to overturn a 12-point deficit at the start of the period and lead the Pacers to a 93-86 win.
Haliburton paying tribute to Miller with the celebration after leading a comeback against the Knicks was almost perfect, but the game wasn't actually finished, of course. It ended up being a bit premature, and Miller felt that was the case as well when asked about it.
"Little premature, but at the end of the day, they got the win," Miller said.
Getting the win was the most important thing, and the Pacers did that. They are now 1-0 up, and Game 2 will be at Madison Square Garden on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.