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, an American former professional basketball player, spent his entire 18-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. Celebrated as one of the NBA's premier shooters, he excelled at three-point shooting, especially in high-pressure moments, earning the moniker 'Knick Killer' due to his clutch performances against the New York Knicks. Miller was a five-time All-Star, a 2012 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

Sections (5)

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

1986: Three-Point Field Goal Introduction

In the 1986-87 season, the three-point field goal was added to college basketball, and Reggie Miller utilized it effectively, scoring 69 of his 247 field goals from beyond the arc that year.

1987: NBA Draft

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

1987: Drafted by the Pacers

In 1987, Reggie Miller was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 11th pick in the first round of the NBA draft, despite initial fan disapproval. He began his career wearing jersey number 31 and gradually established himself as a key player.

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 NBA franchise record that still stands today. The final score was 134-122.

June 1, 1994: Phenomenal Game Against the Knicks

On June 1, 1994, Reggie Miller scored 39 points, including 25 in the fourth quarter, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. This performance, marked by long 3-pointers and an exchange with Spike Lee, led the Pacers to a 93-86 victory and a 3-2 series lead. However, the Pacers ultimately lost the series.

May 7, 1995: 8.9 Seconds Game Winner

On May 7, 1995, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, Reggie Miller scored eight points in 8.9 seconds, including two 3-pointers and two free throws, to lead the Pacers to a 107-105 victory. He capitalized on missed free throws by John Starks and secured the win after stealing an inbound pass.

1997: Playoff Miss

After the 1997 NBA season, The Pacers missed the playoffs.

May 25, 1998: Game-Winning Shot Against Bulls

On May 25, 1998, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Chicago Bulls, Reggie Miller hit a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left, securing a 96-94 victory for the Pacers. He got free from Michael Jordan to make the shot.

1999: Eastern Conference Finals Loss

In 1999, with the Pacers considered favorites after Jordan's retirement, the eighth-seeded New York Knicks upset them in the Eastern Conference Finals. In the decisive Game 6, Reggie Miller had a poor performance, scoring only eight points.

May 6, 2000: 40-Point Game with Jalen Rose

On May 6, 2000, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, Reggie Miller and teammate Jalen Rose each scored 40 points, becoming the highest-scoring teammate pair in playoff history, leading the Pacers to a 108-91 victory.

June 2, 2000: Eastern Conference Finals Victory

On June 2, 2000, Reggie Miller scored 34 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, to help the Indiana Pacers defeat the New York Knicks 93-80 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, securing their spot in the NBA Finals.

2002: Near Elimination of Nets

In 2002, Reggie Miller almost single-handedly eliminated the top-seeded New Jersey Nets in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs, hitting a 40-foot three-pointer to force overtime and dunking over three defenders to force a second overtime. Ultimately, the Pacers lost 120-109.

May 19, 2005: Final Game and Ovation

On May 19, 2005, Reggie Miller played his last game at Conseco Fieldhouse, leading the Pacers with 27 points in a loss to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He received a standing ovation from the crowd and the Pistons players, marking the end of his career. This won the 2005 Best Moment ESPY Award.

June 2005: Becomes a weekly contributor to The Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio

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

August 2005: Joins TNT as NBA analyst

In August 2005, Reggie Miller announced his plans to join TNT as an NBA analyst, where his sister Cheryl also works as an NBA sideline reporter.

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2005: TNT NBA Analyst

In 2005, Reggie Miller joins TNT as an NBA analyst after retiring from professional basketball.

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March 30, 2006: Number 31 Retired

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

August 8, 2007: Celtics discuss signing Miller

On August 8, 2007, the Boston Celtics' general manager and head coach discussed the possibility of Reggie Miller joining their roster in a reserve role.

August 24, 2007: Miller decides against comeback

On August 24, 2007, his 42nd birthday, Reggie Miller decided against making an NBA comeback, citing that he was "all out" mentally despite feeling physically capable.