Years After Trash-Talking Michael Jordan as Rookie, Reggie Miller Defends Aggression With 8-Word Line

“Me? I didn’t say anything. I don’t know what got into him.” If one asks the perennial trash-talker about his habits, Reggie Miller would plead his innocence and often blame his opposition. One such instance was when the lean sharpshooter debuted in the Eastern Conference. At the time, it comprised Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, and others. His rookie mistake came to light when he went against MJ, but the Pacers legend wouldn’t change a thing!

On his Instagram story, “Nothing wrong with getting up close and personal 😉🤔😳😜.” The post that he re-shared on the story was from an Instagram page with over 20k followers. It was a compilation highlight of Reggie Miller trash-talking his opponents at any given point of the match.

Even in the video, his one scuffle with Michael Jordan is highlighted. “Great Reggie Miller story of why Reggie Miller is one of the greatest trash talkers of all time! 🔥.”

And it was in his rookie year in the league. Even before the league games started, the teams faced each other during the exhibition game. Naturally, the 6x NBA champion wouldn’t always bring his A-game in those matchups. But for Reggie Miller, it was a chance to establish himself, and he took it by hand.

During his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2015, the Pacers veteran shared his rookie year experience against MJ. During the exhibition game, Reggie Miller scored 10 points and MJ had 4 at halftime. This prompted the Pacers legend to trash-talk the Bulls legend, “You’re Michael Jordan? The guy who walks on water?”

Jordan, being Jordan, ended the game with a total of 44 and Miller could only add 2 more to his first-half tally.

Because of those defeats, Reggie Miller and Michael Jordan shared a love-hate relationship

In his HOF induction speech, the 59-year-old had a special story about MJ. Being in the Eastern Conference for 18 seasons and debuting in 1987, he was bound to face ‘His Airness’ and Co. In October last year, Miller had a post on Instagram and explained his relationship with Michael Jordan.

“No Lies Told!! We had a prickly relationship, respected the hell out of MJ, but also couldn’t stand him. The reason I say that, wanted to beat him and his Bulls so badly, only won a few battles but he eventually won all the wars.” They faced each other 56 times, including the playoffs, and Michael Jordan had the upper hand with a win percentage of 64%.

Even for MJ, facing Miller was a task because of his “chicken-fighting with a woman” defending. As per Michael Jordan, the Pacers legend would end up flopping around, and would always have his hands on the opponents all the time.