Former US President Barack Obama took a playful swipe at Reggie Miller by admitting how much he enjoyed watching the Chicago Bulls defeat the Indiana Pacers.
Obama was speaking with the Pacers icon during NBC’s broadcast of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
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The conversation quickly shifted into a nostalgic reflection on one of the NBA’s most intense rivalries of the 1990s.
Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images
Obama revisits Bulls vs Pacers rivalry
Reggie Miller asked Barack Obama about his memories of following the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan era. The former president, a lifelong Chicago supporter, responded with a lighthearted remark.
He referenced the repeated postseason clashes between Chicago and Indiana. The comment immediately drew a reaction from Miller.
“I always enjoyed watching us beat Indiana.”
Miller laughed before replying, “Oh my goodness. Why do you do that to me?”
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The exchange revisited the heated Eastern Conference Finals battles of the late 1990s. Chicago ultimately won the 1998 series and went on to secure its sixth NBA championship.
Obama jokes about infamous ‘push-off’
While teasing Miller, Obama also acknowledged how dangerous the Hall of Famer was in late-game situations. He praised Miller’s shooting ability before referencing one of the rivalry’s most debated plays.
Obama alluded to the moment Miller created separation before hitting a crucial three-pointer against Chicago.
“I will say that nobody terrified me more than Reggie Miller with a possible 3-point shot at the end of a game. You did push off Michael (Jordan) on that one play, though.”
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Miller responded by pointing to another famous NBA moment, asking, “Did he push off in the Utah series?”
The light exchange highlighted how the competitive spirit of the Bulls-Pacers rivalry still resonates decades later. Even in a celebratory All-Star setting, the banter remains intact.
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