Just like old times for Reggie

INDIANAPOLIS — Reggie Miller is still pushing opponents around.

With a sellout crowd chanting his name, the 39-year-old delivered another clutch playoff moment Friday night. He drew two fouls, made four free throws and created some room to hit a key jumper in the final 81 seconds to rally the Indiana Pacers past Detroit 79-74 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Pacers now lead the best-of-7 series 2-1. Game 4 is Sunday at Indianapolis.

It was a difficult night for Miller until the end.

He shot just 3-of-11 from the field, including a dismal 0-of-7 from 3-point range, and even missed a free throw in the fourth quarter. But when the Pacers needed him most, the five-time All-Star who is retiring after the season looked like anything but a fading star.

“I can’t really be surprised because I’ve seen him do it so many times,” Pacers All-Star Jermaine O’Neal said. “I’ve been watching him do it all my life. That’s what makes him a crunch-time player.”

Miller led the Pacers with 17 points, Jamaal Tinsley added 16 and Jeff Foster had 12 rebounds.

“We’re definitely going back to Detroit with this thing 2-2, no question about it,” said Detroit’s Rasheed Wallace.