Reggie Miller & Spike Lee Share Big Moment Before Knicks vs. Pacers Game 4

Feels like a lifetime ago when Reggie Miller dropped 25 points in the fourth quarter of the 1994 East Finals to beat the Knicks. Yet, every hoop fan remembers the Pacers legend trash talking Spike Lee and rubbing salt on his wound with the choke sign following the epic turnaround. Well, the Pacers vs Knicks rivalry is incomplete without the iconic Reggie vs Spike beef. However, the two legends seem to have buried the hatchet as they have grown older.

Before tonight’s Game 4 of the East Finals, Spike and Reggie shared a wholesome moment as the Knicks superfan dabbed up the Hall of Famer at the announcer’s desk in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Moreover, they were also spotted discussing Tyrese Haliburton’s recreation of Miller’s choke sign in the series opener after hitting the game-tying shot.

Surprisingly, Spike was not in the building that night when the Knicks blew a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. That’s because of his prior commitment at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of his film Highest 2 Lowest. Had he been in attendance at MSG for Game 1, Knicks giving away their massive lead and Haliburton’s choke sign would have brought back some unpleasant memories for Spike. And he knows it.

“He was looking for me first.” He told Reggie, about Tyrese’s taunt. The two legends shared a big laugh and Miller responded, “He was! He was looking for you!” Then, they went their separate ways as the Pacers legend wished Spike “Good luck” for tonight’s game. While their intense rivalry is etched in every fan’s mind, Spike and Reggie do not have bad blood anymore.

Spike Lee and Reggie Miller reveal true feelings about their current relationship

As evident from tonight’s wholesome interaction, Reggie and Spike no longer have the beef they did in the 90s. In fact, the Pacers legend admires Spike’s fandom for the Knicks and believes every franchise should have a passionate fan like him, “Let me go on the record and say this, because Spike and I are really good now. Time heals all wounds. And I always tell people there needs to be, in every arena, more people like Spike, who are loyal to the vault, will go down on the floor. That’s Spike. He loves the Knicks, and there is nothing that is going to change his mind.”

Yes, through the good times and bad, Spike has always supported the Knicks. Even when they were struggling to make the playoffs for years, he attended every important game at MSG. And now, he is reaping the benefits of his loyalty as the team fights for a spot in the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, Spike also has nothing but respect for Reggie, “I like to tell everybody me and Reggie Miller were cool. That stuff, how many years ago, 20 years ago, has been dead and buried. Got nothing but respect. This is mutual respect between Reggie Miller and I.”

With the new generation pushing the NBA to unprecedented heights, the evolving dynamic between rising superstars and celebrity fans is becoming just as entertaining as the on-court action.

Timothée Chalamet has quickly won over Knicks faithful, often spotted courtside alongside longtime supporter Ben Stiller. On the other end, Indiana has its own showman in Tyrese Haliburton—equal parts elite talent and charismatic presence. With both Chalamet and Stiller expected courtside for Game 4 in Indiana, and Haliburton eager to make a statement, don’t be surprised if something iconic unfolds tonight.

Well, this is the beauty of sports. The two icons who made the Pacers vs Knicks rivalry what it is today are witnessing the younger generation carry on their legacy while they enjoy from the sidelines as good friends.