Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Reggie Miller

Discover the career path of Reggie Miller, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Reggie Miller was an American professional basketball player, celebrated for his 18-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. He is renowned as one of the NBA's premier shooters, particularly for his clutch three-point shots, earning him the moniker 'Knick Killer' due to his memorable performances against the New York Knicks. Miller achieved five All-Star selections and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. His legacy was further solidified with his inclusion in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1984: NIT Championship

In the 1984-85 NCAA season, Reggie Miller contributed to the UCLA Bruins' victory in the NIT Championship.

1986: All-American Honors

In 1986, as a junior, Reggie Miller earned third-team All-American honors while playing college basketball for the UCLA Bruins.

1986: Three-Point Field Goal Added

In the 1986-87 season, the three-point field goal was added, and Reggie Miller made 69 three-pointers out of his 247 field goals that year.

January 24, 1987: Game-Winning Shot vs Notre Dame

On January 24, 1987, Reggie Miller made a 24-foot shot with 10 seconds remaining to give the UCLA Bruins a 62-59 lead against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

February 28, 1987: 33 Points vs Louisville

On February 28, 1987, Reggie Miller scored 33 points in the second half against defending national champion Louisville, setting a school record.

1987: Final College Game

In 1987, Reggie Miller played his final college game in a loss to Wyoming during the second round of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.

1987: Drafted by the Pacers

In 1987, Reggie Miller was selected by the Indiana Pacers as the 11th overall pick in the NBA draft, starting his professional career with the team.

1987: NBA Draft

In 1987, Reggie Miller was selected by the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the NBA draft as the 11th overall pick, marking the start of his professional career.

November 28, 1992: Career-High 57 Points

On November 28, 1992, Reggie Miller scored a career-high 57 points against the Charlotte Hornets, setting a Pacers franchise record in a 134-122 victory.

June 1, 1994: Game 5 Performance vs Knicks

On June 1, 1994, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Reggie Miller scored 39 points, including 25 in the fourth quarter, leading the Pacers to a 93-86 victory over the New York Knicks.

May 7, 1995: 8.9 Seconds Game 1 Comeback

On May 7, 1995, Reggie Miller scored eight points in 8.9 seconds in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, leading the Pacers to a 107-105 victory.

May 25, 1998: Game-Winning Shot vs Bulls

On May 25, 1998, Reggie Miller hit a game-winning three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Chicago Bulls, securing a 96-94 victory.

May 6, 2000: 40-Point Game with Rose

On May 6, 2000, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Reggie Miller and teammate Jalen Rose each scored 40 points, becoming the highest-scoring teammate pair in playoff history.

June 2, 2000: Eastern Conference Finals Win

On June 2, 2000, Reggie Miller scored 34 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 93-80 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, clinching the series.

2002: Clutch Performance vs Nets

In 2002, Reggie Miller had a memorable performance against the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the playoffs, making a 40-foot three-pointer and a dunk in overtime, though the Pacers ultimately lost the game.

January 4, 2005: O'Neal's 55-Point Game

On January 4, 2005, Jermaine O'Neal scored 55 points against the Milwaukee Bucks and left the game early to preserve Reggie Miller's 57-point record.

May 19, 2005: Final NBA Game

On May 19, 2005, Reggie Miller played his final NBA game at Conseco Fieldhouse, scoring 27 points in a loss to the Detroit Pistons, ending his career with a standing ovation and a timeout tribute from both teams, which won the 2005 Best Moment ESPY Award.

June 2005: Joins The Dan Patrick Show

In June 2005, Reggie Miller became a weekly contributor to The Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio, providing commentary to the show.

August 2005: Joins TNT as NBA analyst

In August 2005, Reggie Miller announced he would join TNT as an NBA analyst, where his sister Cheryl was already working as an NBA sideline reporter.

Loading Video...

2005: Joins TNT

In 2005, Reggie Miller joined TNT as a game analyst.

Loading Video...

2005: Late Career Performance

In 2005, amid teammate suspensions, Reggie Miller averaged nearly 20 points per game and scored 39 points against the Lakers. There were also rumors of retirement, which were later confirmed by his sister Cheryl on TNT.

March 30, 2006: Number retirement ceremony

On March 30, 2006, Reggie Miller's number 31 was retired at halftime in a ceremony at Conseco Fieldhouse.

2006: Jersey Retirement

In 2006, the Indiana Pacers retired Reggie Miller's No. 31 jersey, honoring his contributions and legacy with the team.

August 8, 2007: Celtics discuss potential comeback

On August 8, 2007, Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and head coach Doc Rivers discussed with Reggie Miller about joining their team in a reserve role.

August 24, 2007: Decides against comeback

On August 24, 2007, on his 42nd birthday, Reggie Miller decided against any comeback, stating he was "all out" mentally despite feeling physically capable.