Reggie Miller, a former basketball player for the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs is known as one of best three point shooters in league history. Despite being an all-star talent on the court, he has faced criticism from fans because “he wasn’t tough.” But his defenders say that Miller did not get to where he was by playing soft. After finally having enough of this criticism, Reggie headbutted John Starks during a playoff game in 2004 after Starks had called him out over rumors about how much money players were making off of endorsements. Fans happily accepted their star back into good graces with open arms even though they never actually watched what happened at courtside before cheering louder than ever when Ron Artest punched Kobe Bryant right in front of them
The “reggie miller john starks” is a story about the famous NBA player Reggie Miller. After a headbutt from John Starks, in which Miller retaliated like any theater major would, he said that he was acting.
Reggie Miller is recognized for his long-range shooting and his ability to irritate people. The former Indiana Pacers star’s acting abilities were also impressive. After a headbutt from a New York Knicks guard during Game 3 of the 1993 playoffs, the trash-talking Miller, who is third on the NBA’s all-time record for 3-pointers made behind Stephen Curry and Ray Allen, put his acting on full show during a 1993 playoff game. Miller admits his response was quite the acting job twenty-seven years later.
In Game 3 of the 1993 playoffs, Reggie Miller got into a scuffle with John Starks.
Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers is carefully guarded by John Starks of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York, in the mid-1990s. | Getty Images/Focus on Sport
In the 1990s, Miller’s Indiana Pacers and the Knicks were fierce rivals. In 1993, when they met in the first round of the playoffs, things became hot. Miller was a talker and a provocateur. He was typically able to back up his words with action.
The Knicks swept the opening two games of the best-of-five series at Madison Square Garden. In Game 3, the Pacers were facing elimination on their own floor, and Miller pulled out all the brakes to keep them alive. He irritated Starks to the point that the Knicks guard lost his cool and headbutted the Pacers’ star.
During an interview with comedian Sam Morril, Starks declared, “That needed to happen.” “It had to happen, no matter what.” He started beating me with ‘bows at that point,’ I recall. I informed the referee that he had struck me with a ‘bow,’ and the referee responded, ‘Starks, shut up and play.’ ‘OK, I can handle this,’ I thought. I was furious after scoring on him and sprinting up the court. I wanted to punch him in the face with my fist.”
Starks was removed from the game, and the Pacers won 116-93 to prolong the series.
Miller’s purpose had been completed.
Reggie Miller subsequently stated that his reaction to Starks’ headbutt was exaggerated.
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Any theatrical professor would be proud of Miller. Miller grabbed the attention of the officials by waving his arms frantically after Starks made contact with his head, prompting Starks to be ejected.
It wasn’t quite flopping, according to Miller. He went one step farther.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks lost his temper in 2020 and headbutted Washington Wizards player Moe Wagner, who retaliated in Miller-like manner. Miller discussed the Antetokounmpo incident shortly after it occurred, which brought up memories of his own encounter with Starks.
According to the Indianapolis Star, Miller claimed, “I responded the same way Wagner did.” “You behave as if you were fired from a cannon.” ‘Oh, my God,’ I said. ‘How did this happen to me?’
“I wasn’t exactly flopping….” I was playing a part.”
Starks said that he needed to communicate with Miller.
On May 4, 1993, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, John Starks delivers the notorious headbutt to Reggie Miller. pic.twitter.com/NDN5NEtNZg
May 4, 2014 — evan auerbach (@evboogie)
Starks had lost his composure. He got kicked out. Game 4 was won by the Knicks, advancing them to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Miller, he said, never showed respect to his opponents.
“You had to struggle and win respect from other players in this league back then,” Starks told Morril. “It wasn’t handed over to you.”
“Reggie was one of those guys that didn’t think you were worth anything. He’s going to come after you if he doesn’t respect you. He’s going to make a lot of noise. He’ll take care of all the nasty little details.”
Starks had sent his telegram. He was ejected as a result of it. The battle was won by Miller that night, but the war was won by Starks and the Knicks.
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