Eight Points, Nine Seconds: Today in Sports History

On May 7th, 1995, Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller scored eight points in nine seconds to steal a 107-105 win over the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Trailing 99-105 with 18.7 second remaining, Miller caught and shot an inbound pass from beyond the arc to bring the Pacers within three points. As the Knicks were attempting to inbound the ball, Miller switched onto Greg Anthony, with the two men colliding. As Anthony was falling to the ground, Anthony Mason attempted to inbound the ball to him, with Miller capturing a steal. Miller dribbled back beyond the left wing, to the same spot he hit his first shot, and repeated his efforts with another clutch three-pointer. Tie game at 105, 13.2 seconds remaining. Sam Mitchell of the Pacers fouled John Starks on the ensuing inbound, sending him to the free throw line. Starks missed both free throws, but star center Patrick Ewing collected an offensive rebound on the second. He attempted a quick shot off his back foot, but it bounced off the back of the rim and Miller secured the rebound. Starks then fouled him and the clock stopped with 7.5 seconds remaining. Miller sank both free throws to give the Pacers a two-point lead, and Greg Anthony took the inbound. He dribbled across half court, down to the key on the right side, then slipped and fell. As Anthony attempted to corral the ball, the clock would expire, giving the Pacers an improbable Game 1 win at the Garden. Miller gave several memorable soundbites in his postgame interview with NBC's Dan Hicks, saying, "Mason choked, he threw it to me, I hit a three...John Starks choked, we came up big," and then closed the interview by exclaiming, "We feel we can sweep this team. This is for you, Indiana!" The Pacers wouldn't sweep the Knicks, but they ultimately won in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.