It was spring of 1995 when Reggie Miller became one of the most reviled players among New York basketball fans. It was Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals between Miller’s Indiana Pacers team against the New York Knicks. The Knicks had homecourt advantage and Game 1 saw them hosting the Pacers at the historic Madison Square Garden.
            Time down to 18.7 seconds and the Pacers down by 6, 89-95, Miller single-handedly carried the Pacers to victory with back-to-back three pointers that stunned the Knicks fans. He first made a three point shot from an inbounds pass from Mark Jackson, stole the inbounds pass from burly Anthony Mason and uncorked another trey to tie the game. And with NY guard John Starks getting fouled, fans were still hopeful of winning the game. Alas, Starks missed both FT. Starks’ teammate Patrick Ewing grabbed the offensive board but missed a hurried shot. Miller got the rebound and was fouled with 7.5 seconds remaining. He calmly made both FT’s and the Pacers made one last defensive stop to steal Game 1, 107-105.
            A couple of nights ago, déjà vu occurred but this time, it happened at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City in a PBA regular game. Mark Caguioa just scored a jumper to give Ginebra a safe three point lead 72-69 with less than 20 seconds left. Alaska called for