Reggie Miller: The Sharp-Shooting Legend of the NBA
Introduction
Reggie Miller is one of the most iconic and clutch performers in the history of the NBA. Known for his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc, his fearless late-game heroics, and his fierce rivalries, Miller defined what it meant to be a great shooting guard in the modern game. Playing his entire 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers, Reggie became the face of the franchise and helped usher in an era of Eastern Conference competitiveness that left a lasting mark on basketball history.
This article explores Reggie Miller's remarkable career, his greatest moments, and the impact he made on the NBA. Through tables, lists, and a professional breakdown of his journey, we will understand why Reggie Miller is remembered not just as a player, but as a legend of the game.
Early Life and College Career
A Basketball Family
Reggie Miller was born on August 24, 1965, in Riverside, California, into a family filled with athletes. His sister, Cheryl Miller, was a basketball phenom and is considered one of the greatest female players of all time.
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Born with hip deformities, Reggie wore leg braces as a child to strengthen his legs.
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Attended Riverside Polytechnic High School, where his basketball skills began to flourish.
College at UCLA
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Played four seasons at UCLA (1983–1987).
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Averaged 19.5 points per game as a senior.
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Left as the second all-time leading scorer in school history behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor).
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Known for his poise, confidence, and elite perimeter shooting even in college.
Reggie Miller College Stats at UCLA
| Season | PPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983–84 | 7.3 | 53.5% | — | 74.3% | Freshman contribution |
| 1984–85 | 15.2 | 55.1% | 41.3% | 82.4% | Team scoring leader |
| 1985–86 | 25.9 | 51.1% | 43.9% | 86.3% | All-Pac-10 First Team |
| 1986–87 | 22.3 | 50.6% | 44.3% | 88.2% | Second Team All-American |
NBA Career with the Indiana Pacers
Drafted and Doubted
Reggie Miller was selected 11th overall in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. Initially, the pick was criticized as many fans wanted hometown hero Steve Alford. But Miller quickly silenced doubters with his performance.
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Played entire 18-year NBA career with the Pacers (1987–2005).
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Known for his scoring, three-point shooting, and clutch play.
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Developed a reputation as one of the most feared shooters in the league.
Reggie Miller's Career Highlights
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5× NBA All-Star (1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000)
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3× All-NBA Third Team (1995, 1996, 1998)
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1990 NBA Three-Point Contest Champion
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Retired as NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers (since passed by Ray Allen, then Stephen Curry)
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Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012
Signature Moments and Clutch Legacy
The Knicks Rivalry
Perhaps no player was more hated — and respected — by New York Knicks fans than Reggie Miller. His duels with the Knicks in the playoffs became legendary, especially during the mid-1990s.
"8 Points in 9 Seconds" (May 7, 1995)
In one of the most incredible sequences in NBA history, Miller scored 8 points in the final 9 seconds to stun the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
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Hit a three-pointer.
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Stole the inbounds pass.
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Hit another three.
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Drew a foul and hit two free throws.
Reggie Miller’s Playoff Career Highlights
| Year | Series | Opposing Team | PPG | Series Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Eastern Semifinals | New York Knicks | 24.6 | Lost in 7 games |
| 1995 | Eastern Semifinals | New York Knicks | 24.3 | Won in 7 games |
| 1998 | First Round | Chicago Bulls | 21.3 | Lost in 7 games |
| 2000 | NBA Finals | Los Angeles Lakers | 24.0 | Lost in 6 games |
More Than a Shooter
While most known for his three-point accuracy, Miller was a complete offensive player:
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Excellent free-throw shooter (career 88.8%).
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Smart mover without the ball.
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Underrated passer and defender.
Retirement and Broadcasting Career
Reggie Miller retired in 2005 after 18 seasons, all with the Indiana Pacers.
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Finished with 25,279 career points.
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Held the NBA record for most career three-pointers until 2011.
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His jersey number 31 was retired by the Pacers.
Broadcasting Success
After retirement, Miller transitioned into broadcasting and became a prominent NBA analyst with TNT.
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Known for his insightful commentary and calm demeanor.
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Frequently calls NBA games alongside legends like Marv Albert and Kevin Harlan.
Reggie Miller's Career NBA Statistics
| Category | Total | Career Average |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 1,389 | — |
| Points | 25,279 | 18.2 PPG |
| Three-Point FG | 2,560 | 39.5% 3P% |
| Free Throw % | — | 88.8% FT |
| Assists | 4,141 | 3.0 APG |
| Steals | 1,505 | 1.1 SPG |
Legacy and Influence on the Game
A Pioneer of the Modern Shooter
Before Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson redefined shooting, Reggie Miller paved the way:
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Prioritized the three-pointer long before it was a central part of offenses.
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Revolutionized off-ball movement and spacing.
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Inspired an entire generation of perimeter players.
Why Reggie Miller Is an NBA Legend
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Longevity: 18 seasons with one franchise.
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Clutch Performance: Always delivered in high-stakes moments.
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Three-Point Revolution: Trailblazer in the art of long-range shooting.
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Playoff Heroics: Never afraid of the big stage.
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Loyalty and Integrity: Never chased rings — remained loyal to Indiana.
Conclusion
Reggie Miller’s career stands as a testament to consistency, loyalty, and unmatched competitive fire. He wasn’t the tallest, strongest, or flashiest — but he had the heart of a champion, the mind of a tactician, and the shot of a sniper. His fierce battles with rivals, incredible shooting performances, and lasting influence on the game have cemented his place in NBA history.
Today, as a respected analyst and Hall of Famer, Reggie continues to inspire the next generation of players. In a league that now prioritizes the three-point shot more than ever, Reggie Miller’s legacy is alive and well — etched in every long-range bucket we see today.
