7. Reggie Miller’s 8.9 Seconds versus New York Knicks: 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 1
Without question, the greatest sequence in Indiana Pacers basketball history is something truly remarkable that Reggie Miller did in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals versus the rival New York Knicks.
Miller scored eight points in 8.9 seconds to overcome a six-point deficit with 18.7 seconds left to stun the Knicks in Game 1. Here is how it all went down in Madison Square Garden. Pacers point guard Mark Jackson would in-bound the basketball to Miller where he would since a three to make it 105-102 Knicks.
On ensuing in-bounds pass by the Knicks, Miller would shove Knicks forward Anthony Mason to come up with a steal. Knowing that the Pacers needed points in a hurry, he dribble out beyond the three-point line and made the game-tying bucket.
Indiana’s Sam Mitchell would foul Knicks guard John Starks with the game tied at 105 to force two free throws. Starks would choke and miss both of them. Miller would be fouled after grabbing Patrick Ewing’s missed shot after the second Starks missed free throw. Indiana would go up by two on the made Miller free throws. Indiana would go on to win Game 1 107-105 over New York.
The Pacers would take Game 7 over the Knicks to reach the 1995 NBA Finals, where Indiana had to deal with an emerging power in the Orlando Magic. Though the Pacers would loss to the Magic in seven, Miller’s eight points in 8.9 seconds is the definitive moment of the 1995 NBA Playoffs and Miller’s Hall of Fame career.