Reggie Miller Recalls Larry Bird’s Admission: Pacers Had No Answer for Shaquille O’Neal in NBA Finals
In a candid reflection on the 2000 NBA Finals, Reggie Miller recently shared a telling moment involving NBA legend Larry Bird. Miller recounted how Bird, then the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, acknowledged the team’s inability to contain Los Angeles Lakers’ dominant center Shaquille O’Neal.
During the series, O’Neal was a force to be reckoned with, delivering powerhouse performances that left the Pacers scrambling for solutions. “In Game 1 or Game 2, he may have shot 40-plus free throws,” Miller recalled, emphasizing O’Neal’s overwhelming presence on the court. The Lakers’ superstar exploited the Pacers’ defense, repeatedly drawing fouls and making frequent trips to the free-throw line.
Bird’s concession to Miller highlighted the stark reality facing the Pacers. Despite their strategic efforts and defensive adjustments, O’Neal’s physicality and skill were simply too much for Indiana to handle. “We had no answer for Shaq,” Miller quoted Bird as saying, underscoring the insurmountable challenge posed by the Lakers’ center.
O’Neal’s dominance was a pivotal factor in the Lakers securing the championship that year. His ability to control the paint, both offensively and defensively, forced the Pacers into difficult positions and disrupted their game plan. The series highlighted O’Neal’s status as one of the most unstoppable forces in NBA history.
For Miller and the Pacers, Bird’s admission was a moment of clarity, acknowledging the extraordinary talent they were up against. The Lakers’ victory in the 2000 NBA Finals marked the beginning of a three-peat championship run, with O’Neal earning Finals MVP honors for his extraordinary performances. Miller’s anecdote serves as a testament to O’Neal’s impact and the respect he commanded from even the most esteemed basketball minds.
