As Reggie Miller approaches his 60s, the NBA Hall of Famer reflects on a significant chapter of his career—the one and only time he graced the NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers back in 2000. While Miller and his team made a commendable run representing the Eastern Conference, they ultimately fell short against the legendary duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, losing in six games.
Miller certainly recognizes the achievement of reaching the Finals, yet 23 years later, he hasn’t softened the blow of that defeat. “You don’t get a ribbon for second place,” he shared candidly in a recent interview. For Miller, success in the NBA is ultimately measured by championships. Despite battling fiercely against two of the best in the league, his memory of the series is tinged with disappointment. “It was great to be in the Finals, but, you know, no one remembers the second-place winner,” he noted.
His empathy for the current Pacers team, who also fell short this season, is palpable. Having witnessed Indiana’s playoff run up close, Miller stood outside the locker room following their heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder to console the players. Miller’s understanding comes from experience; he’s been in those trenches.
Reflecting on his own Pacers’ legacy, Miller remains proud of the battles fought against elite talents like Shaquille, Kobe, and even Michael Jordan. “We had some battles,” he reminisces. “We went against giants. But what I’m proud about with our guys is there was never, ever fear.” He believes that a few critical moments could have turned their fate, leading to championships. “If a loose ball, rebound, a shot here or there could have gone our way, we could have been holding a couple championships.”
What stands out for Miller is the spirit of camaraderie his Pacers brought to the court. “They embodied what being a Hoosier and being a Pacer was all about, and that’s leaving it on the line.” He sees the same spirit in this year’s squad, noting how players like Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Myles Turner play for one another and for their passionate fanbase—a hallmark of Pacer basketball.
Beyond his basketball career, Miller has found fulfillment in cycling, having taken on challenges that stretch his limits. He participated in last year’s Life Time Tahoe Trail mountain bike race, completing the grueling 62.1-mile course in just under six hours. That experience, he claims, felt almost as satisfying as any championship. “When I finished, I told people I felt like this was my NBA championship,” he reflected, proudly showcasing his medal.
Cycling has not only become Miller’s post-NBA passion but also a way to maintain an active lifestyle. Surprisingly, he’s even lighter now than he was during his playing days. As a competitive outlet, cycling allows him to stay in shape while providing a platform for his children, born after he retired, to witness their dad tackle challenges head-on.
“My kids have attended many of my races,” he said, reflecting on the lessons they soak in from his cycling adventures. “I want to show them that there’s nothing hard that they cannot do.” Miller sees cycling as a metaphor for life—filled with obstacles that require resilience and the ability to recalibrate. “You’ve got to dig deep,” he emphasized. Seeing his children cheer him on and pass him water bottles during races is a reward in itself, adding another layer of joy to his journey as a parent and athlete.
This combination of passion and legacy—whether on the basketball court or a mountain bike—epitomizes what it means to be Reggie Miller. His story is one of perseverance, teamwork, and passion, not just for winning but for the experiences that shape us along the way.
