It's 1994, in the middle of the Eastern Conference finals. More precisely on June 1, in Game 5 between the Knicks and the Pacers, at Madison Square Garden. New York dominates, Indiana struggles and Reggie Miller not having a good time. Embarrassed by John Starks and harassed by the New York public, who sing “Cheryl” (the first name of his sister), the All-Star is also constantly the target of Spike Lee.
“ On every playground in the United States, there is a kid who doesn't know how to play well but who talks a lot, just to say anything. The best players want to win the match and shut it up » described commentator Ahmad Rashad, speaking of Spike Lee.
Motivated by the idea of winning (the score is 2-2 in the series), but also of silencing Spike Lee, Reggie Miller will then release a legendary fourth quarter. The Pacers are trailing (70-58), but their guard comes out of his box to plant five 3-point shots (an NBA record at the time!) and score 25 points in the period!
Above all, each award-winning basket is an opportunity for Reggie Miller to challenge the director, with looks and “trashtalking”.
Trashtalking which will even become “physical”, since the one who will later be nicknamed the “Knick Killer” will first do his now legendary “Choke Sign”. Then, to show that he is not afraid of him, he will grab his private parts.
Reggie Miller will finish the game with 39 points (plus 6 assists) and Indiana will win Game 5. The next day, Spike Lee will make the headlines in New York. “Thank you Spike” or “Shut up” can we read in the press…
Fortunately for him, the Knicks will still reach the Finals against the Rockets (they lost 4-3). But Reggie Miller the Pacers will return the following year and the guard will achieve his famous “8 points in 9 seconds”…
