Known for trash talking, nasty dunks, and tenacious game play, Kevin Garnett always left a mark on any team. One such opponent was in the East, the Indiana Pacers. Against them, he had a 20-24 negative record, but he managed to get on the nerves of one of their legends. The player was Reggie Miller, who was trying his regular routine before the game. But in his rookie year, KG rattled the Pacers icon and set a precedent that is still followed today.

“One time, Reggie Miller was just kept on shooting, and I just kept on blocking. Something was wrong with the clock, he just kept shooting.” During his first year with the Timberwolves, The Big Ticket faced the Pacers. Kevin Garnett explained how the back-and-forth conversation transpired between the two of them. “He said, ‘Young fella, I can do this all day.’ I said, ‘So can I.’ We sat there for about 11 shots; he just kept on shooting, and I blocked all 11 of them.”

KG was very particular that if the ball was dead and the official blew the whistle, he wouldn’t block all those shots. The players usually shot them to keep the rhythm going, and it affects their flow if it’s stopped. That is why the Celtics legend stopped those shots to gain an advantage mentally. The crew member stated, “It’s basically an Unwritten rule in the NBA now everyone does it.” Even Paul Pierce gave his stamp of approval and said people follow that rule.

Even Reggie Miller once spoke about the incident. “I remember KG going up and grabbing the ball and not letting it touch the rim.” At the time, he couldn’t understand what the 2004 MVP was trying to establish and called the interaction “weird”. Despite the first weird interaction, the Pacers legend could have joined forces with the Big 3 of the Celtics.

From rivals to potential teammates, Kevin Garnett and Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller had retired in 2005, but the Boston Celtics had pulled off a blockbuster trade just two years later. They had added Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to join Paul Pierce, forming the ‘Big Three’. Even Celtics GM Danny Ainge said, “[I have] contacted Reggie, and he is contemplating a comeback with us.” Despite the interest, three years ago, TNT analyst explained his decision was based on his love for the Pacers.

“Look, I knew they were stacked to win a championship, and they did, but it just wouldn’t have seemed right to be popping champagne in Boston. When we (Indiana) grew up together, we laughed together, we cried so many tears together because we were so close for so many years.” The 5x NBA All-Star spent his entire 18-year career with the Indiana franchise. Because of his loyalty, joining rivals like the Celtics felt like a betrayal.

Despite ending his career with no championships, Miller had the opportunity to come back and win one in Beantown. Many would have joined in a heartbeat, especially when the team already had the likes of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett. But the motive for the ring did not overpower Miller’s love for the Pacers.