BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary Indiana pacers legend Reggie Miller, Slated for Release on the…

In a landmark move that’s already generating massive buzz in the sports and entertainment world, Netflix has officially announced the upcoming release of a powerful new documentary titled “The Underdog,” centered around one of the NBA’s most electrifying and polarizing figures — Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller. The documentary is set to premiere globally on September 10, 2025, and promises to take fans deep into the life, legacy, and unshakable mentality of one of basketball’s greatest clutch performers.

Combining raw emotion, game-changing moments, and a deeper look into the mind of a man who built his career on proving doubters wrong, “The Underdog” is not just a basketball documentary — it’s a tribute to resilience, rivalry, and redefining greatness on your own terms.

Reggie Miller is best known for his deadly shooting stroke, especially from beyond the arc, and his unparalleled ability to rise in the biggest moments. But “The Underdog” dives beyond the hardwood to uncover the layers of a complex man whose journey to NBA immortality was anything but easy.

Born in Riverside, California, into a family of athletes — including his older sister Cheryl Miller, widely considered one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time — Reggie was often overlooked in his early years. The documentary’s title pays homage to this — an “underdog” even in his own household.

Miller himself narrates portions of the documentary, stating:

“People always said I’d never live up to Cheryl. That I was too skinny. That I didn’t have what it takes to make it in the league. So I made a decision: I’d make them remember my name.”

From Draft-Day Doubt to Franchise Icon

“The Underdog” gives special focus to Miller’s early days with the Indiana Pacers. Selected 11th overall in the 1987 NBA Draft — to the dismay of many Pacers fans who had hoped for Indiana native Steve Alford — Miller was greeted with skepticism and even boos. But what followed was a journey of dedication, showmanship, and unparalleled loyalty.

Through exclusive interviews and archival footage, viewers are taken through Miller’s transformation from a misunderstood rookie into the face of the Indiana Pacers franchise. By the mid-1990s, he was the heart of the team — leading them through multiple deep playoff runs, pushing Michael Jordan’s Bulls to the brink, and becoming one of the NBA’s most feared late-game killers.

Pacers legend Jalen Rose, a teammate during the team’s 2000 NBA Finals run, appears in the film and says:

“Reggie wasn’t just a scorer. He was a leader, a killer with a smile, and a guy who wanted all the smoke when the lights were brightest.”

The Knicks Rivalry: An Iconic Chapter

Perhaps the most thrilling portion of “The Underdog” revisits the legendary rivalry between Reggie Miller and the New York Knicks — a rivalry that would forever etch Miller’s name into NBA folklore.

The documentary devotes an entire episode-length segment to Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, when Miller scored 8 points in 9 seconds, silencing Madison Square Garden and shocking the basketball world. That jaw-dropping moment is shown through previously unreleased court-side angles, player reactions, and audio recordings.

Spike Lee, who famously feuded with Miller during those heated games, appears in a candid interview, admitting:

“I poked the bear. And that bear torched my team time and time again. I hated him… but I respected the hell out of him.”

A Player of Principle: Loyalty and Legacy

One of the most powerful themes explored in “The Underdog” is Miller’s loyalty to Indiana — a small-market team he never abandoned despite opportunities to join title contenders. In an era increasingly defined by player movement, Miller remained a Pacer for all 18 seasons of his career.

The documentary underscores how that loyalty wasn’t just professional — it was personal. Reggie built roots in Indiana, connected deeply with the community, and became a symbol of grit, resilience, and heart.

Former Pacers coach Larry Bird, who also contributes to the documentary, reflects:

“Reggie could’ve gone anywhere. But he stayed. He believed in building something instead of chasing something.”

Off the Court: The Mind Behind the Mic

Beyond the game, “The Underdog” showcases Reggie Miller’s life after basketball — particularly his transition into broadcasting as an analyst for TNT’s NBA on TNT. Known for his sharp insight and occasional controversy, Miller’s second career has brought a new audience to appreciate his basketball mind.

The documentary captures Miller’s thoughts on modern-day players, the evolution of the three-point shot, and how today’s NBA compares to the era he played in.

When asked about comparisons to Steph Curry and other elite shooters, Miller says in the film:

“I love what Steph has done. He’s changed the game. But I had to create my space without freedom of movement, without the spacing they enjoy now. We had to earn every inch.”

A Production for the Ages

Directed by Ava DuVernay and produced by Netflix in collaboration with NBA Entertainment, “The Underdog” uses high-end cinematography, masterful pacing, and a mixture of archival and dramatized footage to create a cinematic experience rarely seen in sports documentaries.

DuVernay, known for “When They See Us” and “Selma,” brings her storytelling genius to a sports narrative rooted in family, challenge, and transformation. She said in a press release:

“Reggie Miller’s story is not just about basketball — it’s about identity, purpose, and defining yourself on your own terms. He is the underdog in every room, and still manages to own it.”

Fan Anticipation and Critical Buzz

Since the trailer dropped on June 22, 2025, reactions across social media have been electric. Clips of Miller’s legendary moments are being reshared by the NBA, ESPN, and countless fans, while the hashtag #TheUnderdogReggie trended across X and Instagram.

Critics who previewed early screenings at the Tribeca Film Festival described the documentary as “goosebumps-inducing,” “a layered masterpiece,” and “the best basketball doc since The Last Dance.”

Young fans unfamiliar with Miller’s playing days are in for an unforgettable education, while longtime supporters will be rewarded with new insights into a player they’ve revered for decades.

Conclusion: A Legend Gets His Flowers

With “The Underdog,” Netflix delivers more than just a sports documentary. It offers an intimate, honest, and empowering portrait of Reggie Miller — a player who silenced arenas, shattered narratives, and stayed true to himself in every moment.

As the world counts down to the September 10 premiere, it’s clear that this film will not only honor Miller’s impact on the game — it will redefine how future generations view one of the NBA’s most underestimated and underappreciated greats.

For Indiana, for basketball purists, and for anyone who’s ever been told they weren’t enough — “The Underdog” is more than a title. It’s a triumph.