Barack Obama's 'Terrified' Admission to Reggie Miller During NBA All-Star 2026

Former President Barack Obama shared a light but honest moment with Reggie Miller during the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

The exchange came during NBC’s live broadcast from the Intuit Dome. Obama attended the event with Michelle Obama and their daughter Sasha, sitting courtside for the showcase.

During the interview, Obama joked about enjoying Chicago’s wins over Indiana in the 1990s.

“I always enjoyed watching (the Bulls) beat Indiana,” Obama said.

Miller quickly fired back, saying he expected that comment. The former president then admitted that no player scared him more in late-game moments than Miller behind the three-point line.

“Although I will say that nobody terrified me more than Reggie Miller with a possible three-point shot at the end of a game,” Obama said. “You did push off Michael on that one play, though.”

With that comment, Obama also revisited one of the most debated plays in NBA playoff history. He told Miller that everyone remembers the push-off on Michael Jordan. The comment referred to Game 4 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Chicago Bulls.

Obama pressed him again on the broadcast, saying everyone knew about it. “Everybody knows it,” Obama said to Miller.

With seconds left, Miller created space from Jordan and drilled a go-ahead three-pointer. No foul was called, and Indiana won 96-94 to tie the series. Years later, in May 2020, Miller admitted in “The Last Dance” that he gave Jordan a slight shove to gain separation.

Miller defended the play and noted officials did not call a foul. Obama smiled and replied, “Well, we gave it to you. You had to come back in game seven, though. Didn’t happen.”

The moment blended humor with history and drew attention online.

Former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama look on before the start of the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Obama has praised the All-Star effort level, noting that players competed with pride in the Americans vs. World format.

“Today we are seeing [that effort]. Anytime you get Americans vs. International (teams), they want to bring it.” Obama said about the All-Star Game.

From playful trash talk to playoff memories, the exchange added another highlight to All-Star weekend.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Barack Obama’s ‘Terrified’ Admission to Reggie Miller During NBA All-Star 2026

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