Main Story: Madison Square Garden’s ‘Choke’ Gesture Rivalry

The Knicks and the Pacers have shared more than a few hostile moments at Madison Square Garden. In 1994, Reggie Miller of the Pacers immortalized their rivalry with an infamous ‘choke’ gesture during a crucial Eastern Conference Finals game. Now, in 2025, Tyrese Haliburton has paid homage to Miller’s moment with one of his own.

Reggie Miller’s Iconic Moment

In the fifth game of the Eastern Conference Finals, on June 1, 1994, Miller, the Pacers’ best player, dropped 25 points in the fourth quarter, shifting the momentum dramatically. With the Knicks leading 70-58 and 12 minutes left, Miller changed the game, harnessing the power of crowd taunting and hardcore sportsmanship.

Miller turned to Spike Lee, a Knicks fan sitting in the front row, touched his neck with both hands, and mimicked the act of choking. The English word ‘to choke’ also signifies failure, and Miller’s trash talk proved prophetic as he ensured the Knicks’ downfall.

Haliburton’s Homage to Miller

On May 21, 2025, history seemed to repeat itself when Haliburton, the Pacers’ current star, caught the ball with seven seconds left in a crucial Eastern Conference Finals game, dribbling towards the Knicks’ basket. With the score tied at 123 apiece, he paused, turned around, and mimicked Miller’s gesture, grasping his neck with both hands.

However, in an unexpected turn of events, the referee ruled that Haliburton was beyond the three-point line when he released the ball, making his shot worth only two points. The game went into overtime, where Haliburton ultimately sealed the Pacers’ victory, but the ‘choke’ pose echoed Miller’s iconic moment.

Entertainment and Rivalry

Miller’s initial gesture transcended trash talk, adding theatricality and entertainment to their rivalry. Haliburton’s homage was not only a tribute to Miller’s legendary moment but also a testament to their shared sportsmanship on the court.

“Is it bad that he planned the pose? Of course not. One should be happy that he dared to do this gesture, that he reminded that sport is never just sport in its greatest moments, but always entertainment.”

Q&A: Ask an Expert

What made Reggie Miller’s gesture so memorable?

Miller’s gesture was memorable because it happened at a crucial moment in the game, involved a celebrity (Spike Lee), and combined trash talk with a clever use of language (choke signified both failure and the act of choking).

Why did Haliburton’s pose not reach the original’s impact?

While Haliburton’s pose was a fitting homage, it didn’t reach Miller’s impact due to the referee’s ruling that reduced his shot’s value, shifting the game’s outcome to overtime.

Call to Action

Join the conversation: Comment below with your thoughts on the rivalry, the gestures, and sportsmanship in modern basketball.