WINNING TIME: REGGIE MILLER VS. THE NEW YORK KNICKS

Q&A with director Dan Klores

The filmmaker behind CRAZY LOVE - winner of the Independent Spirit Award - delivers another classic New York story, ripped from the headlines of tabloids. 

In the 1990s, an epic rivalry arose between the New York Knicks and Reggie Miller, playing for the Indiana Pacers. Miller single-handedly crushed the hearts of Knick fans multiple times. But it was the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals that solidified Miller as Public Enemy #1 in New York City. With moments to go in Game 1, and facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit of 105-99, Miller scored eight points in 8.9 seconds to give his Indiana Pacers an astonishing victory. This career-defining performance, combined with his give-and-take with Knicks fan Spike Lee on the sidelines, made Miller and the Knicks a highlight of the 1995 NBA playoffs.

Would Game Seven at Madison Square Garden be “Miller Time”, or would Patrick Ewing get another chance at the Finals after losing the championship the year before? Would Spike, Woody and Trump have the chance to return Reggie’s choke sign? Would John Starks, who head-butted Reggie in a playoff game the year before, come through in the clutch?

Klores meticulously recreates key games with footage from multiple cameras, including one that seems devoted entirely to Spike. These are interwoven with candid and humorous interviews with all the key players, including Ewing, Miller, and Spike. He delves into Miller’s family rivalry with his older sister Cheryl who reached fame on the basketball court before him.

You don’t have to be a Knicks fan or even a sports fan to relish the ego displays, trash-talking, and human drama that unfolds. It sure beats watching this year’s Knicks.

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