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. He is celebrated as one of the NBA's premier shooters, especially known for his clutch three-point shots, particularly against the New York Knicks, earning him the moniker "Knick Killer." A five-time All-Star, Miller was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Sections (5)

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

1984: NIT Championship

In 1984-85 NCAA season, Reggie Miller helped the UCLA Bruins to an NIT championship, which showcased his early basketball talent.

1986: Three-Point Field Goal Introduction

In the 1986-87 season, the three-point field goal was introduced. During that year, 69 of Reggie Miller's 247 field goals were three-pointers.

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

On January 24, 1987, Reggie Miller hit a 24-foot shot to put the UCLA Bruins ahead 62-59 against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with 10 seconds left in the game.

February 28, 1987: 33 Points in the Second Half

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

1987: Selected in the 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, marking the start of 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. Initially, fans were upset with the selection.

1987: Final College Game

In 1987, Reggie Miller's final game was a loss in the second round of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament to Wyoming. He finished second in all-time scoring at UCLA.

November 28, 1992: Career-High 57 Points

On November 28, 1992, Reggie Miller scored a career-high 57 points against the Charlotte Hornets in a 134-122 win. This still stands as the Pacers' NBA franchise team record.

June 1, 1994: Game 5 Performance Against Knicks

On June 1, 1994, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks, Reggie Miller scored 39 points, including 25 in the fourth quarter, leading the Pacers to a 93-86 victory. He also engaged in a discussion with Spike Lee during the game.

1994: FIBA World Championship

In 1994, Reggie Miller was a member of the US national team that won the FIBA World Championship. He averaged 17.1 points and was the second-leading scorer behind Shaquille O'Neal.

May 7, 1995: 8.9 Seconds Performance Against Knicks

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.

1996: Became a Free Agent

Following the 1996 season, Reggie Miller became a free agent for the first time. After lengthy negotiations, he agreed to a 4-year, $36 million contract with the Pacers.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Reggie Miller was a member of the Olympic men's basketball team that won a gold medal. He averaged 11.4 points.

1996: Eye Injury and Talk Show

Near the end of the 1996 season, Reggie Miller suffered an eye injury, affecting his playoff performance. Around this time, he also hosted a talk show on WTHR called "The Reggie Miller Show".

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May 25, 1998: Game-Winning Shot Against Bulls

On May 25, 1998, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Reggie Miller made a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left against the Chicago Bulls, helping the Pacers tie the series.

May 6, 2000: 40 Points Each 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. The Pacers would win the game 108-91.

June 2, 2000: Clinched Series with 34 Points

On June 2, 2000, Reggie Miller scored 34 points, with 17 in the fourth quarter, in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden to help Indiana clinch the series with a 93-80 victory over the Knicks, advancing to the NBA Finals.

2002: Clutch Performance Against Nets

In 2002, Reggie Miller had a clutch performance in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs against the New Jersey Nets, sending the game into multiple overtimes with a 40-foot three-pointer and a dunk. Despite his efforts, the Pacers lost.

2002: FIBA World Championship

In 2002, Reggie Miller returned to the USA Team for the FIBA World Championship. However, the team lost to FR Yugoslavia in the quarterfinals, marking the first time NBA players lost against international competition.

January 4, 2005: O'Neal Preserves Miller's Record

On January 4, 2005, Jermaine O'Neal demonstrated his respect for Reggie Miller by scoring 55 points against the Milwaukee Bucks and then leaving the game with 1:43 remaining to preserve Miller's 57-point record.

May 19, 2005: Final NBA Game

On May 19, 2005, Reggie Miller played his last game against the Detroit Pistons. He scored 27 points, leading the Pacers. The crowd gave him a standing ovation, and the Pistons joined in, marking a memorable end to his career. This moment 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.

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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, was already working as an NBA sideline reporter. He also previously served as a guest host on "Live with Regis and Kelly" and answers "Reggie's Mailbag".

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2005: Joins TNT

In 2005, Reggie Miller joined TNT to begin his career as an NBA analyst.

2005: Rumors of Retirement

In 2005, Reggie Miller shot down rumors of retirement, but later confirmed through his sister Cheryl that he would retire at the end of the season.

2006: Pacers Retired Number 31

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

August 8, 2007: Celtics discuss potential comeback

On August 8, 2007, the Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and head coach Doc Rivers talked with Reggie Miller about joining their team in a reserve role, which included players like Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce.

2011: Becomes a TV analyst for NCAA

In 2011, Reggie Miller started working as a TV analyst for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship tournament.

December 2020: Elected to USA Cycling Board of Directors

In December 2020, Reggie Miller was voted onto the USA Cycling Board of Directors, after having become an avid cyclist post-retirement.

2025: Joins NBC as a game analyst

In 2025, Reggie Miller joined NBC as a game analyst for its NBA coverage, partnering with Mike Tirico, after TNT lost live NBA game rights. He had been at TNT since 2005.