Knowledge - Timeout Story

Reggie Miller

The Knicks were up, 105-99, with a mere 18.7 seconds left in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals. Indiana had the ball, but a comeback was simply out of the question. But then, Miller drilled a weak-side three off the inbounds pass, and suddenly, New York's lead was cut to three. Still, there were just 16.4 seconds remaining. The Knicks would hit their free throws and then move on to Game 2.

Or not.

Byron Scott and Miller doubled up Greg Anthony, who then fell to the floor after tangling feet with Miller.

Miller picked off Anthony Mason's inbounds pass and quickly dribbled behind the three-point line. He was wide open for an easy two, but he knew that the Pacers needed a three to tie and decided to hoist a contested deep shot. It went in.

By now, Miller had scored six points in just 5.7 seconds, tied the game and sent Madison Square Garden into a fit of astonishment and tears. And that would have been enough for anyone. But not Miller.

New York inbounded the ball successfully on the next possession and Indiana sent John Starks to the foul line for two shots. Starks missed both of his free throws.

Fortunately, Patrick Ewing grabbed the offensive rebound off the second miss. Unfortunately, he missed a shot of his own. The rebound was snagged by none other than the Knicks killer himself, Mr. Miller. The Knicks immediately fouled him.

Reggie calmly walked to the other end of the court and sank not one, but two free throws to propel the Pacers to a Game 1 victory. Miller scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds. Reggie Miller saw and seized each opportunity in the last 18 seconds of the game to push his team to victory.

What knowledge helped Reggie Miller pull off this spectacular feat?

What knowledge can you gain now that will help you in the future?

Can you visualize how it may play out?