Shortly after the Indiana Pacers secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals with a commanding 130-109 victory in Game 7, Reggie Miller took to Instagram to playfully taunt the New York Knicks. Sharing a video from Game 2 where Josh Hart discussed the fervent crowd, Miller suggested it was the pivotal moment that turned the tide of the series.
“When everything SHIFTED!! Jalen Brunson, you’re a real BALLER, hands down the MVP of these playoffs. But you and your crew can kick back and recover together down in Cancun, soak up some sun!!”
Miller’s comment was a cheeky jab, implying that the sidelined Knicks players could use their time off to recuperate in Cancun. While some might argue injuries played a bigger role in the series’ outcome, Miller’s opinion differed, a typical move from the Pacers icon.
The Knicks appeared to be in command after taking a 2-0 lead in the series, but momentum shifted drastically afterward. Injuries plagued the team, with OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Bojan Bogdanovic all sidelined.
Despite the setbacks, the Knicks managed to claw back with a resounding 121-91 victory in Game 5. However, the tide turned again when Josh Hart suffered an abdominal strain in Game 6, leading to a 116-103 defeat.
In Game 7, both Hart and Anunoby attempted to play through their injuries but couldn’t perform at their best. Anunoby was quickly pulled out after just five minutes, deeming it too risky to continue. To compound their woes, Jalen Brunson suffered a fractured left hand during the game.
The extent of the Knicks’ injury list was unprecedented in playoff history, making it remarkable that the series even reached Game 7. Predictably, head coach Tom Thibodeau faced criticism for the team’s injury crisis, though assigning blame solely to him seems unfair.
Reggie Miller, known for his storied rivalry with the Knicks, has a legacy intertwined with Madison Square Garden. Ahead of Game 2, Miller revived his role as the antagonist by boldly claiming ownership of the iconic venue.
“I can’t wait for the vibe. People ask, ‘Aren’t you nervous about calling a game in NYC?’ Nah. This city’s mine. This building’s mine. So, why sweat it?”
Despite Miller’s memorable moments at MSG, like his infamous 8 points in 9 seconds in 1995, his record there wasn’t overwhelmingly successful. With a 7-27 regular-season record and a 6-12 playoff record, his claim of owning the building doesn’t quite hold up statistically.
