Image via Complex Original
The date was May 7, 1995. The event was Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the third seed New York Knicks and the second seed Indiana Pacers. The Pacers were seeded higher because they won the Central Division, but the Knicks had homecourt because they had a better record. This was the third playoff meeting in three years between these respective teams.
The year prior Reggie Miller scored 25 points in the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and taunted Spike Lee while doing it. The Knicks ended up winning the series but that couldn't stop "Miller Time" from being born.
The Knicks couldn't escape Reggie's path during the 1995 Playoffs, though. This second round series was over after Game 1. Everyone knows the story. With about 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Knicks holding onto a 105-99 lead, it was "Miller Time." With some help from Knick "legend" John Starks, this motherfucker reeled off eight points in nine seconds to steal the game from New York.
Today is the 20th anniversary of one of the worst days of my life, so of course the jerk-offs that run the Sports channel figured it would be funny if I—a lifelong Knicks fan—relived the moment by doing a frame-by-frame breakdown of the series of events.
Reggie's Thinking About How He's Going to Kill Us
There's about 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Pacers are down six, 105-99.
Starks' Ready to Do What He Was Born to Do
John was on him like white on rice.
Three Points
And Reggie still buried a trey in his grill.
Why Is Anthony Mason (RIP) Inbounding the Ball?
No timeouts and guess what happens next?
Reggie Pushes Greg Anthony to the Ground
No foul because the NBA is rigged and hates the New York Knickerbockers.
He Knows He Fouled Him
I hate Reggie Miller with a passion. He sucks as a commentator too. Fuck him.
LOOK AT THE SCORE
No. No. No. No.
GOD, NO
Mase (RIP) passed it right to Reggie.
Six Points
He made it.
Everything Is Spike's Fault
EVERYTHING.
Hack-A-Starks
Sam Mitchell thought the Pacers were down by one. So he sent known choke artist John Starks to the line.
John Is Freaking Out
Man, did he?
Of Course
Like why did my 12 year-old self think he was going to make it?
We Just Need One, John
He's not missing the next one. Nah.
He Is Freaking the F*ck Out Now
He's still thinking: “Man, did dis dude just did dis?”
He Missed It
John is wishing he could fly.
Patrick Ewing Hates Using the Backboard
But there's about 12 seconds left and the game is tied. Why not try to get a better shot? FUCK.
John and Mase (RIP) Foul Reggie
Why? I do not know.
Starks Will Not Let It Go
Ewing Looks to Heaven For Help
You didn't deserve any of this, Pat. I am sorry.
Pat Wants to Murder John Starks
He's thinking of how he can get away with it.
Seven Points
He's not missing these.
Eight Points
Still a lot of time left.
There Is Still Hope
I am still a delusional Knicks fan.
Reggie Tripped Greg Anthony
I do not care if he didn't.
So Much Joy and Hurt in One Picture
John is taking the walk of shame, Mark Jackson is being a dick, Reggie Miller feels like the King of New York, and Patrick is looking at Greg Anthony like he wants to kick him in the face.
He Really Did Just Did That
Look at this shit.
Again, Everything Is Spike's Fault
Fuck you, Reggie!
