NBA analyst Reggie Miller has never been shy about saying something spicy on the air. But his latest remarks on last night's game between the Spurs and Timberwolves may have been the breaking point for many.
During the pre-game broadcast of Game 5, Miller commented on Wembanyama avoiding a suspension for the elbow he threw at Naz Reid during Game 4. He made it pretty clear to Mike Tirico and Jamal Crawford that he supported Wembanyama on the grounds that "sometimes violence is needed" on the basketball court.
“It was the elbow shot heard ‘round the basketball world,” Miller said. “Sometimes violence is needed to get your point across, right?”
Miller would repeat that line again during the game after Wembanyama went off with an impressive 16 points in the first few minutes.
“What did I say at the top? Sometimes violence is needed," Miller declared.
"Get Him Out of There"
NBA fans were not amused by the language Miller used to defend Wembanyama's actions or his support of the Spurs superstar.
"Before the broadcast Reggie Miller said sometimes you need violence to get your point across… sickening," one user on X remarked.
"[Expletive] Reggie Miller! Worst announcer of all [expletive] time," another wrote.
"Reggie Miller is unlistenable," wrote a third.
"Reggie Miller is the worst commentator breathing."
"I know I say it all the time but Reggie Miller is so annoying to have as a commentator. It's legit unbearable."
"There’s no combination worse than your team getting belt and Reggie Miller on commentary."
Nov 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; NBA on TNT television analyst Reggie Miller during the Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For what it's worth, Mike Tirico didn't really appreciate the language Miller used either, and tried to get him to backtrack on his assertion that "violence is needed." If that happened on the air, then there's a pretty good chance Miller got a talking-to after the game.
There probably won't be a public comment on Miller's remarks but he didn't exactly make a ton of new fans last night.
This story was originally published by The Spun on May 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
