Ep 6. Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks

In the 1990s, one of the most memorable rivalries in NBA history played out between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, with one player in particular at the center of it all: Reggie Miller. "Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks" is a commemoration of Miller's incredible performances against the Knicks during the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, a series that has gone down in history as one of the most thrilling and intense in NBA history.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the Pacers-Knicks rivalry, highlighting the animosity between the two teams and the physical, hard-nosed style of play that characterized their matchups. It also introduces Reggie Miller as a player, showcasing his impressive skills and his reputation as a trash talker and agitator.

As the series progresses, "Winning Time" focuses on the pivotal Game 5, a must-win game for the Pacers that took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Miller, who was having a relatively quiet series up to that point, exploded in Game 5, delivering one of the most remarkable performances in NBA playoff history.

The episode highlights Miller's clutch shooting, his theatrical taunting of Knicks players and fans alike, and the jaw-dropping sequence in which he scored eight points in nine seconds to lead the Pacers to a stunning victory. It also features interviews with key players and coaches from both sides, offering insights into the intense emotions and strategies that drove the series.

As "Winning Time" unfolds, it becomes clear that the Pacers-Knicks rivalry was about much more than just basketball. The two teams represented different cities, cultures, and ideologies, and their bitter clashes on the court were a reflection of deeper social tensions. The episode explores the racial dynamics of the rivalry, noting the undercurrent of racism that pervaded both the Knicks' and the media's treatment of Miller.

In the end, "Winning Time" is a tribute to Reggie Miller's incredible talent and grit, and to the power of sports to bring people together and tear them apart. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of the Pacers-Knicks rivalry, and to the indelible mark that Reggie Miller left on NBA history. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just love a good underdog story, "Winning Time" is a must-watch episode of "30 for 30."