The New York Knicks jumped to a 2-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers with a 130-121 victory on Wednesday night. Reggie Miller watching the game at Madison Square Garden made the triumph even sweeter for Knicks fans.
Toward the end of the game, Knicks fans directed a vulgar chant at their former Pacers nemesis. Josh Hart made sure the message wasn’t lost in translation.
During the closing minute, Hart walked over to the TNT broadcaster and cursed right into Miller’s microphone.
“I don’t know if you heard, but I think they said, f— you,” Hart helpfully told Miller.
Josh Hart is on a level the rest of us can only dream of pic.twitter.com/RBGkz8x0wZ
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Away from Miller’s headset, it sounded like Hart repeated, “I didn’t know if you heard” as he was walking away.
It’s safe to say Miller heard. The TNT broadcast clearly picked up the obscene chants, so there’s no way the Hall of Famer missed it while sitting courtside.
Thirty years ago, Miller scored 25 fourth-quarter points at MSG in an Eastern Conference Finals victory over the Knicks. He directed a choke sign toward director and noted Knicks fan Spike Lee.
Conflict of interest aside, Miller called Wednesday night’s game. Lee brought two framed photos of back-page New York tabloids from 1994, which Miller signed.
Game 2 went better for the Knicks. Hart, who played the entire game, continued a strong postseason by tallying 19 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists.
Jalen Brunson frightened Knicks fans by exiting the game, but he returned to lead a second-half comeback.
Miller won’t call the next two games at Indiana, as ESPN will broadcast Friday night’s Game 3 before the next contest airs Sunday afternoon on ABC. He could potentially return to New York for a Game 5 on TNT, if necessary.