Pacers Legend Reggie Miller Pays Tribute To Tyrese Haliburton's Toughness In NBA Finals
Oct 15, 2025
If there’s anyone who understands the honor of playing for the passionate Indiana fanbase, it’s Reggie Miller. One of the NBA’s most feared snipers from beyond the arc, Miller spent 18 seasons pouring his heart out on the hard court for Pacers fans.
There will never be another Reggie Miller, but there can certainly be a passing of the torch from one Pacers generation to another. This very moment has been teased in a preview for the second season of Netflix’s “Starting 5,” which features Pacers floor general Tyrese Haliburton.
Back in the 2025 NBA Finals this past summer, Haliburton turned in a gutsy performance in Game 6 but tore his Achilles in Game 7. Though the Pacers fell short of winning the first-ever NBA title in franchise history, Miller had nothing but admiration and respect for Haliburton in the “Starting 5” sneak peek.
“All I will say is, look at Game 6 and Game 7 of the NBA Finals,” Miller said in the clip, which also featured Haliburton’s live reaction. “There will never ever be a question of a guy’s heart, will, determination, his game. No will ever second-guess any decision that he ever makes again.”
Miller, who led the Pacers against Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant in the 2000 NBA Finals, emphasized the sacrifice that Haliburton made with the championship on the line.
“He risked it all for a franchise, a state, an organization,” Miller said. “How many are willing to risk it all? This comes back as a full-circle moment of what it’s like to be a Hoosier and what it’s like to be in Indiana.”
After Miller’s clip was played, Haliburton tried to gather himself but couldn’t help being emotional.
“It’s tough, but I’m going to work my ass off to get back there. I’m going to do it in a Pacer uniform,” he promised.
It’s a long road to recovery for Haliburton, but if it’s any comfort to him, he has the support of the Pacers community: fans, former players, and all. High praise from a legend like Miller doesn’t come by every day, and Haliburton can certainly use it to fuel his comeback.
