Spike Lee Shares Insider Stories of Legendary Courtside Clashes with Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller

Spike Lee, renowned Knicks superfan and director, recently shared memorable moments from his clashes with basketball legends Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller. These recollections took place at the Montclair Film Festival in New Jersey, where Lee reflected on his unique experiences as a courtside spectator.

Spike Lee’s Epic Courtside Battles

During his discussion, Lee fondly recalled the legendary confrontations he had with Michael Jordan, often at Madison Square Garden, dubbed “the world’s most famous arena.” He humorously noted that Jordan has called him a ‘motherf-ker’ numerous times while they both engaged in spirited banter throughout the games.

• Double Nickel Game: One of the standout memories was Jordan’s iconic 55-point performance against the Knicks in 1995.
• Fierce Rivalry: Lee reminisced about their intense exchanges during Bulls games, with Jordan once telling him to “sit your skinny black ass down!”

Reggie Miller’s Infamous Moment

Lee also discussed the memorable 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against Reggie Miller’s Indiana Pacers. A notable incident involved Miller’s infamous choke sign, which captivated fans at MSG. Despite the tension, the Knicks ultimately prevailed in the series.

Pressure of Being a Knicks Fan

Lee expressed his concerns about being blamed by the media if the Knicks lost subsequent games, particularly following the 1994 choke incident. He jokingly suggested that a loss would force him to relocate due to the backlash from publications like the New York Post and Daily News.

Hollywood Connections

Switching topics, Lee shared anecdotes about collaborating with acclaimed actor Denzel Washington. He described a surprising moment from their project “Highest 2 Lowest,” where Washington spontaneously rapped lyrics from Nas’ “Illmatic” alongside A$AP Rocky.

Future Plans with Stephen Colbert

The session was hosted by Stephen Colbert, who humorously mentioned his availability in June for a potential roadshow featuring their discussions. This light-hearted moment added to the lively atmosphere of the event.

Through discussions of basketball history, intense rivalry, and cinematic creativity, Lee’s stories continue to resonate with fans, enriching the legacy of both the Knicks and the broader cultural landscape.