Reggie Miller recently claimed that he wanted to take a swing at Michael Jordan at the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team ceremony. While speaking about his bitter rivalry with Jordan on the “All The Smoke” podcast, Miller said:
“To this day, I think I probably would have taken a swing on Mike if I saw him,” said Miller. “Because there are certain things that are said in between lines that trigger you, and you remember.”
Miller then recalled the 75th Anniversary ceremony and added: “During the 75th Anniversary, Mike wasn’t part of any of the pre-picture and all that. But he showed up before we all walked out.”
“We’re all around there, and I’m saying to myself, ‘I might just go over there.'”
Miller’s comments were hilarious as show hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson couldn’t help but laugh. Jackson added that Miller should have gone to get his revenge on Jordan for the fight they had years ago.
The Indiana Pacers legend had a lot to say about his fight with Michael Jordan during his playing days as well. During a heated game between the Pacers and the Bulls, Miller managed to score on a crucial play and decided to go up and let the Bulls guard know about it.
Jordan and Miller instantaneously engaged in a brawl as the Bulls star got a couple of hits in before the fight was broken up. However, what hurt Miller was not the fight itself, but the outcome of the fight, as he was the only one penalized for the game while Jordan went on to shoot free throws.
Events like these caused Miller to develop very bitter feelings towards Jordan. However, it didn’t change the fact that he acknowledged and respected the Bulls star. To his benefit, he would have several opportunities to get the better of his rival since they played in the same conference. However, the result rarely went the Pacers guard’s way.
“I won a few battles, but he always won the wars,” said Miller, while addressing his dream of beating Jordan and the Bulls at least once in his career. “We took ’em to seven games. I just wish we had more. I wish we could have gone against him more.”
Miller went on to end his career without a championship to his name. Meanwhile, Jordan has one of the most impressive records in the NBA Finals. As a six-time champion, he successfully built a dynasty in Chicago.
The two guards were among the best in their generation and rightfully earned their place in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. Although Jordan came out on top more often than not, Miller certainly made for a fierce competitor.
