Reggie Miller’s 2000 Finals Run: A Sharpshooter’s Legacy Amidst Lakers Dominance
The year 2000 marked a monumental moment in Indiana Pacers history — the franchise reached the NBA Finals for the first time. At the heart of this achievement stood Reggie Miller, widely regarded as the best shooter of that era. His clutch performances, relentless confidence, and signature swagger helped define not only the Pacers’ identity but also left a lasting mark on the NBA.
Miller, known for his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc and his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, led a well-rounded Indiana squad past the Eastern Conference competition. The road wasn’t easy. The Pacers had to battle through intense playoff series, particularly against the New York Knicks — a rivalry that had become iconic largely due to Miller’s legendary heroics at Madison Square Garden.
But the Finals stage brought a new level of challenge: the Los Angeles Lakers, led by a generational duo in their prime — Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Under the leadership of head coach Phil Jackson, the Lakers were a powerhouse. O’Neal was a dominant force in the paint, virtually unstoppable with his size, strength, and agility. Bryant, though still just 21 years old, was already showing flashes of the greatness that would define his Hall of Fame career.
Despite Miller’s best efforts and a strong supporting cast that included Jalen Rose and Rik Smits, the Pacers fell in six games. Shaquille O’Neal was named Finals MVP after averaging an astounding 38 points and 16.7 rebounds per game — a performance for the ages. Kobe, despite dealing with an ankle injury during the series, had a breakout moment in Game 4, scoring 28 points and carrying the team in overtime after Shaq fouled out.
For Reggie Miller, the loss was a bittersweet moment. It was the closest he ever came to winning an NBA title in his 18-year career. Still, the 2000 Finals run cemented his legacy — not just as the Pacers’ greatest player, but as one of the NBA’s all-time elite shooters and clutch performers. Miller retired in 2005, and in 2012, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Today, as the Indiana Pacers return to the Finals for the first time in 25 years, fans look back on that 2000 run with both nostalgia and pride. It was a time when Reggie Miller carried a small-market team onto the biggest stage in basketball — and though the title eluded him, his impact and influence remain unde
