Pacers legend's biggest rival says their feud is officially over

In the 1990s, Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller and New York Knicks superfan Spike Lee had one of the most interesting rivalries in the NBA.

From 1993 to 2000, the Pacers and Knicks faced each other in the playoffs six times. In that time, the Pacers star and Lee got into it numerous times. Most notably, Miller made a choking gesture directed at Lee during Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Finals series in 1994 (YouTube link).

For many years after, the Pacers-Knicks rivalry was dead in the water. However, after last season's playoff matchup, the rivalry seems to be back. There is genuine heat between both fanbases, and their respective stars could even get into a one-on-one battle off the court to prove their superiority.

However, while the teams' rivalry is back, the same cannot be said for Miller and Lee.

Spike Lee confirms his rivalry with Reggie Miller is over

In a recent appearance at the 2024 Fanatics Fest, the legendary film director spoke about his relationship with Miller. Lee made it clear that the two are no longer feuding and have not been for a long time, saying "that [expletive] happened over 20 years ago."

“You know I don’t like them but me and Reg are cool though… That sh** happened over 20 years ago. People still walk up to me and Reggie and ask us if we hate each other. There’s no hate between me and Reggie, it’s all good.”

Interestingly, Miller spoke about his long-time rivalry with Lee last year and also clarified that there is no hatred between the two. However, Miller also made it known that, while his relationship with Lee was in "a better place," the Pacers legend still hates the Knicks and "will always have a disdain" for the team.

"He's the face of the Knicks. I love him. We're at a better place now in our relationship. We're much more friendlier when we see one another. He's a good dude. But in those moments and deep down in my belly, I'll always have a disdain for the New York Knicks.

While Miller and Lee had an intense rivalry in the 1990s, it seems that it is officially over now and has been for some time. However, the Pacers and Knicks team rivalry is just getting started once again.

The Pacers will face the Knicks in Madison Square Garden on national television on October 25. This will be the first time the two teams have played each other since the Pacers ended New York's playoff run last postseason in The Garden.

Although it is unlikely, it will be fun to see if a new Lee and Miller type of rivalry is birthed as the two teams continue their fight near the top of the Eastern Conference.