As the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks prepare to face off in the Eastern Conference Finals, a heated chapter has been added to one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries.
The long-standing tension between Pacers legend Reggie Miller and Knicks fans resurfaced in an ugly way ahead of Game 1, after a group of New Yorkers allegedly defaced a mural of the Hall of Famer.
Pacers-Knicks rivalry heats up
The two franchises are set to meet in a rematch of their iconic 2000 playoff battle, with a Finals berth on the line.
While the anticipation on the court is high, it’s the off-court drama that has grabbed headlines.
Knicks fans reportedly urinated on a mural of Miller painted by artist Pamela Bliss, an act that she shared on Instagram, noting the vandalism and calling out the toxic behavior.
Miller, who has often been a lightning rod at Madison Square Garden, didn’t stay silent.
Responding publicly, the TNT analyst condemned the act while also showing support for the artist.
“Lots of IDIOTS in this world @pamelablissart512,”Miller wrote.
“Just know your work is beloved worldwide.”
While Miller’s animosity toward the Knicks franchise is well-documented, his longtime foil, director and Knicks superfan Spike Lee, made it clear the two have moved beyond their past playoff battles.
“I like to tell everybody me and Reggie Miller were cool,” Lee told ESPN.
“That stuff… has been dead and buried. Got nothing but respect.”
Still, the rivalry seems far from buried among fans.
An Indiana supporter wearing a Tyrese Haliburton jersey was allegedly attacked after Game 6 of the Knicks’ semifinal series against Boston, raising further concerns about escalating tensions heading into the East Finals.
Miller, who will be on the call for the series as part of TNT’s final broadcast team before the network’s NBA contract expires, called it a “fitting way to go out”, returning to the hostile environment of Madison Square Garden one last time.
Game 1 tips off Wednesday night, and with emotions already running high, the stage is set for another fierce chapter in this age-old rivalry.
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