If you’re a die-hard New York Knicks fan, watching Game 2 of their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden is about to get intense. Broadcasting legend Reggie Miller will be courtside calling the game for TNT – and he has a bone-chilling message for Knickerbockers faithful.
“Just know, the Boogeyman is coming back to town,” Miller smirked during an interview on The Dan Patrick Show this week. “I am coming.”
Those ominous words from the former sharpshooting villain should send shivers down any true Knicks fan’s spine. For nearly two decades as a Pacer, Miller tormented New York like no other opponent.
The History: Miller’s Iconic MSG Moments
From 1994 through 2005, Miller’s Pacers clashed with the Knicks six times in the intense playoff atmosphere. The teams split those series at 3-3, but Miller’s iconic performances write his name in MSG history forever.
His most legendary act came on May 7, 1995 in Game 1 of the Eastern Semis. With Indiana trailing 105-99 in the final 18 seconds, Miller stunningly scored 8 points in just 9 seconds to steal the win for the road team. He caught fire from downtown, hitting two threes and converting two free throws after being fouled on a third triple attempt.
That dagger will live on among the cold-blooded playoff moments at the legendary arena. But Miller’s MSG lore traces back even further to 1994.
In Game 5 of the ’94 East Finals, Miller erupted for 25 fourth quarter points and 39 total against the Patrick Ewing-led Knicks. More memorable than his scoring outburst, however, was Miller’s fierce on-court battle with famed director Spike Lee. The two exchange venomous taunts, with Miller famously hitting Lee with the “choke” throat gesture after burying a three.
The Knicks ultimately closed out that series, but Miller’s fingerprints were all over those classic playoff battles in the ’90s.
What to Expect From Miller’s Return
So when Miller settles into the TNT broadcast booth on Wednesday night, Knicks fans know to expect fireworks – both from Miller’s unfiltered mouth and their own thunderous jeers. The Basketball Hall of Famer is ready to embrace the hostility.
“I’m sure I’ll hear the chants, I’m sure I’ll hear all those naughty words,” Miller said. “I’m good with that…I will be surprised during the game if I don’t hear, ‘Reggie sucks.’ Actually, I’ll be a little hurt if I don’t hear ‘Reggie sucks.’ I kind of want that.”
Miller even acknowledged his infamous back-and-forth with Spike Lee over the years, saying the two have buried their on-court rivalry but “will forever be linked” through their memorable MSG battles.
For Knicks fans split between respecting Miller’s elite talent or simply detesting him, this playoff clash with the Pacers brings back deep scars. Miller knows he’s the “Boogeyman” in MSG – and he’s returning to haunt New Yorkers once again.
