Ex Pistons Star’s Emotional Apology to Reggie Miller Bring Kevin Garnett, Candace Parker, and More to Tears

The air in the All The Smoke studio filled with anticipation as Reggie Miller and Stephen Jackson, former comrades in arms for the Indiana Pacers, settled in for a long-awaited conversation. Little did Miller know, the usual hoops banter was about to take an unexpectedly profound turn. Before the reminiscences of clutch shots and hard-fought games could even begin, a moment of raw vulnerability unfolded, pulling back the curtain on a wound that had lingered for nearly two decades. What transpired next wasn’t just a podcast segment; it was a powerful display of brotherhood and the enduring weight of the infamous “Malice at the Palace.”

Still wiping away tears, Miller responded with nothing but love. “You don’t need to say that to me, come on man,” he told Jackson, shaking his head. Even after all these years, Reggie stood tall for his teammates, adding, “You don’t need to apologize to me, first of all. You young cats, and when I say young I mean Jamaal, Jermaine, Al, yourself, Ron. Those last few years in Indiana, were my best years.” His words hit deep, and the room grew still for a moment.

Naturally, the clip blew up online. Kevin Garnett posted it on his Instagram story, calling it, “Great Interview…one of my favs.. BIG BRO HIMSELF REGGGIE REGGIE REGGGIE.” Former WNBA champ Candace Parker also couldn’t hold back, reacting with a simple but powerful “Man ” on her story. Clearly, this hit home for a lot of people.

Even more reactions flooded the comments of the main All The Smoke post. Spencer Haywood showed love, writing, “Respect to you @stak5 ,” while the host of the podcast, Matt Barnes, also wrote, “Powerful & beautiful. Salute my brothas.” J.R. Smith added the perfect closer: “That’s real!!!”

And just when it couldn’t get more emotional, George Hill chimed in with “Love this man so real n honest… salute,” while Keyon Dooling summed it up perfectly: “True brotherhood.” Moments like this remind us—basketball may end, but the bond never does. But why is this event so emotional? Perhaps it’s a stark reminder of how quickly potential can be derailed and legacies altered by unforeseen moments of chaos.

The brawl at the Palace possibly cost Reggie Miller a championship

Back in November 2004, the Indiana Pacers rolled into the Palace of Auburn Hills looking every bit like a championship-caliber team. It was supposed to be just another regular-season game against the Detroit Pistons—until things got heated in the final moments. Ron Artest fouled Ben Wallace, and Wallace didn’t take it lightly. His shove triggered a chain reaction, with players stepping in to keep things from boiling over. But that was just the beginning. The simmering tension between two of the Eastern Conference’s fiercest rivals hinted at the volatile atmosphere that ultimately erupted.

Then came the tipping point. As Artest tried to cool off by lying on the scorer’s table, a drink came flying from the stands. That one moment set off what would go down as one of the wildest brawls in sports history. Artest stormed the stands, fists flew, and chaos took over. What started as an on-court scuffle turned into a full-on melee involving fans and players alike. This unprecedented escalation blurred the lines between the game and the stands, leaving an indelible mark on the league’s history and prompting serious discussions about player and fan conduct.

Pacers’ squad was a serious Finals contender. They had just come off a 61-21 season, and with the addition of Stephen Jackson—a 2003 NBA champ—they looked even stronger. Reggie Miller, chasing that elusive title, seemed to have the perfect shot.

But unfortunately, the fallout from the brawl was brutal. Key players like Artest, Jackson, and Jermaine O’Neal faced suspensions that shattered the team’s rhythm. They slipped to sixth in the East, lost their home-court edge, and ultimately fell short. And just like that, a golden opportunity for Miller vanished.

The post Ex Pistons Star’s Emotional Apology to Reggie Miller Bring Kevin Garnett, Candace Parker, and More to Tears appeared first on EssentiallySports.