Reggie Miller describes being kicked ‘a**’ by Michael Jordan in candid interview about new obsession

Playing against or alongside Michael Jordan was one of the most fun parts of being an NBA player in the ’90s. Some even enjoyed losing at the hands of a six-time NBA champion. During the interview, the TNT analyst and former NBA player candidly shared his experience of having difficulty playing against the Bulls legend. When it comes to his latest obsession, the five-time NBA All-Star is openly sharing his experience.

Mountain bike magazine Mountain Flyer shared one of Reggie Miller’s fun experiences racing against Jordan.

Reggie Miller talks battle with Michael Jordan

Miller’s passion for cycling is no secret. But what’s fascinating is his take on the connection between basketball and cycling. This may not sound surprising when you understand Miller’s explanation. He recounts the challenges in cycling, traveling through dark places to secure victory, which are similar to similar struggles in basketball. Reflecting on his fight with Jordan, he was reminded of the effort and hard work it took to defeat a powerful opponent and achieve victory.

“On a long ride or game, you have to go to a dark place and you start cramping, but you can navigate the dark sky. It’s the same thing in a basketball game, Michael Jordan was kicking my ass in the fourth quarter, I had to find a way to navigate and try to do something to negate what he was doing.”

Talking about the similarities between basketball and cycling, Miller said: “I think most athletes learn this as they train and grow, and you find ways to mentally navigate that. “It’s very similar to riding a bike.”

The clash between Jordan’s Bulls and Miller’s Pacers added some intense moments to the Eastern Conference battle.

Michael Jordan had trouble dealing with Reggie Miller

Although Jordan’s Chicago Bulls ultimately prevailed in crucial games, Miller’s skill and competitiveness were the best among them. Despite their fierce competition, mutual respect defines their relationship. The six-time champion once explained what it was like to compete against Miller. In a 1998 interview with ESPN, he admitted, “It’s not that I don’t really like anyone in the league, but playing against Reggie Miller drives me crazy.”

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In the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers, led by Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird, finished third in the conference with a record of 58 wins and 24 losses. Jordan himself admitted that besides the Detroit Pistons, the Pacers and Miller posed the toughest challenges to their victory. Do you know about this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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