When Reggie Miller's 40-point game was overshadowed by sister's epic 105-point performance: “By the way, how did you do?”
In 1982, a young Reggie Miller, brimming with pride, got into the family car after what he thought was his "best" high school basketball game. Excited to share his 40-point performance with his dad and sister, he couldn't help but "gloat a little." However, he soon sensed that an inside joke was unfolding, one he wasn't privy to.
After completing his game recap, Reggie turned to his sister, who had also played that day, asking, "By the way, how did you do?" Her response was about to leave him utterly speechless.
A textbook sports family
Back then, in California, it certainly seems the Miller children were raised on something special, given the impressive athletic prowess exhibited by their offspring.
The eldest, Darrell, played in the mid-80s MLB, while Reggie is acclaimed as an Indiana Pacers legend and one of the NBA's greatest shooting guards. Yet, the daughter, Cheryl, arguably takes the crown; she is widely regarded as one of the greatest female basketball players ever.
For the youngest, Reggie, sports initially seemed distant due to a hip deformity and a prognosis of never walking unaided. Still, by defying the odds, he would soon face Cheryl in somewhat competitive one-on-one matches. However, being larger and stronger, his older sister consistently dominated while never giving him any leeway.
"To be in the same household with arguably the greatest women's basketball player, right down the hall, couldn't win, you couldn't win," recalled 'Uncle Reg.'
Sibling rivalry
Adding to the frustration was the fact that he was always known only as "Cheryl Miller's little brother." In the same manner, the highly acclaimed comedy series 'Seinfeld' once humorously referenced Reggie.
Yet, these games compensated him for lost time and helped both hone their skills. Years later, Reggie credited her most for shaping his career in his Hall of Fame speech. However, there certainly were moments when he acknowledged that sibling rivalry was a battle he'd never conquer – much like the day of their high-scoring performances.
Back then, Cheryl delivered a performance reminiscent of a video game when she scored an incredible 105 points during Riverside Poly's 179-15 victory over Riverside Norte Vista, setting a national record at the time. However, after the game, some criticized her for running up points without any resistance against a significantly weaker team.
Nevertheless, the later 4-time state champion and 4-time All-American was likely unaffected by the opinions. In fact, her attitude likely mirrored that of her games with her younger and weaker brother, thinking that if the competition was lacking, it was their responsibility to improve and reach the same level, just as Reggie did or at least tried to do. That made Cheryl her brother's greatest rival and his greatest source of inspiration.
These days, Cheryl and Reggie are the only brother-sister pair in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
