TITLE: Kobe Bryant and Reggie Miller Trade Punches After Lakers’ 96-84 Win Over Pacers
SLUG: kobe-bryant-reggie-miller-fight-lakers-pacers-2002
CONTENT:
LOS ANGELES — A routine regular-season game at Staples Center erupted into a postgame brawl on March 1, 2002, when Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and Indiana Pacers veteran Reggie Miller exchanged punches moments after the Lakers secured a 96-84 victory.
The confrontation began as the final seconds expired. Bryant launched a three-pointer with the shot clock about to expire, a move Miller apparently viewed as disrespectful. The two All-Stars met at mid-court, traded words, raised their fists and threw several jabs before tumbling onto the scorer’s table.
Players from both teams rushed in. Shaquille O’Neal, who had powered the Lakers with 33 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks, used his 7-foot-1 frame to pull Pacers away from Bryant near the bottom of the pile. Forward Robert Horry was seen yanking a Pacers player to the floor, while Indiana’s Austin Croshere briefly had his jersey pulled over his head. Pacers coach Isiah Thomas and forward Ron Artest helped separate the players, holding back an agitated Jermaine O’Neal.
Referees and arena security eventually restored order. The NBA later suspended both Bryant and Miller for two games.
Before the melee, the matchup carried plenty of subplots. It was O’Neal’s first meeting with center Brad Miller since O’Neal received a three-game suspension for throwing a punch at him earlier that season. Los Angeles entered the night 39-17 and seeking a third consecutive championship. The Lakers built a 10-point cushion after one quarter, led 49-41 at halftime and never trailed, although Artest and rookie guard Jamal Tinsley combined for 34 points to keep Indiana close.
The victory moved Los Angeles to 40-17, but the contest is remembered less for the scoreboard and more for the fists that flew after it hit zero.
Source: Lakers Nation
