Reggie Miller reappears in the playoffs spotlight as the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks meet in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in decades, reigniting one of the most iconic rivalries in the NBA.

Miller is no stranger to Madison Square Garden. His iconic matches against NYC, particularly his iconic choke gesture in the 1994 Conference Finals, made him a notorious villain for every Knickerbocker fan.

Both the Pacers and the Knicks had formidable postseason runs. New York defeated the Pistons in the First Round and last season’s champions, the Boston Celtics, in the Semifinals. Meanwhile, the Pacers ousted the Milwaukee Bucks, then the first-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.

In Monday’s “The Mark Jackson Show,” Reggie Miller addressed the chatter about his reception in New York. The Hall of Famer aimed the Knicks’ recent attitude, accusing the team and its fans of being “front-runners” and portraying themselves as basketball royalty.

“This is why I can’t stand the Knicks,” Miller said. “They’re front-runners, right? They think they’re God’s gift to basketball.”

Reggie Miller recalled key moments from last season’s Eastern Semifinals, where the Pacers triumphed over the Knicks in the seven-game series. During the intense matchup, Miller faced hostile chants from New York fans and a confrontation with Knicks player Josh Hart.

Despite the hostility, the TNT broadcaster dismissed concerns about returning to call games in front of hostile Knicks fans.

“I know people are like, `Aren’t you worried about going back to New York City and calling the game,” Miller added. “No … I’ve owned this city. I’ve owned this building. So why would I be worried about walking out there?”

A New York Knicks fan recently sparked outrage after allegedly urinating on a 60-foot mural of Reggie Miller in Indiana. The fan posted the video online to escalate the tension, encouraging others to follow his example.

Nov 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; NBA on TNT television analyst Reggie Miller (left) and Kevin Harlan during the Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In his late Instagram story, Miller condemned the fan’s disrespectful behavior while praising the artist Pamela Bliss’ work.

“Lots of idiots in this world,” the Pacers legend wrote. “Pamela Bliss, just know your work is beloved worldwide.”

May 1, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; From left: TNT analysts Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford and play-by-play announcer Kevin Harland during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dubbed the “Knick Killer,” Reggie Miller was a leading figure in the Pacers-Knicks rivalry, which lasted from 1993 to 2000. His clutch moments and consistent tormenting of New York’s fans had solidified him into one of the city’s fiercest adversaries

The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton, will visit the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, in Game 1 on Tuesday.