Miller Has Some Advice for Rice

Indiana veteran Reggie Miller has a subtle message for Glen Rice.

After playing against the Chicago Bulls and their triangle offense under Phil Jackson for years in the Eastern Conference, Miller has noticed the problems Rice had getting his game going within the Laker offense this season.

“It’s tough for a jump shooter, especially in a triangle offense,” Miller said. “The triangle offense is more for slashers and people who like to take the ball to the basket. The only way for Glen Rice to be much more effective, he has to be like [John] Paxson was with [Michael] Jordan and [Scottie Pippen] in the Bulls’ offense.

“[Jordan and Pippen] used to get into the seams so much, they created havoc and demanded double- and triple-teams. They would kick it out to Paxson and he would nail you with three [-point baskets]. [The Lakers] are not looking for him as much when they get into the seams. Running the triangle offense, you have pretty much set rotations where you are going to be at.

“Rice is much more effective coming off screens, single or double, and looking for his shot. They run some here or there but they don’t run nearly as much as he was accustomed to with Charlotte.”

When asked if Rice should demand for the ball more, Miller simply shook his head.

“How can you demand for the ball more when you have the MVP on your team?” Miller said talking about O’Neal.

*

With Larry Bird out, who’s next as Indiana’s coach?

Speculation on NBC on Monday night centered on one of its analysts for this series, Isiah Thomas.

If true, he wasn’t confirming it.

“That’s what people are saying,” he said when asked about it after the game. “But it’s too early to tell. It depends on what [Pacer President Donnie Walsh] decides. I should know in the next couple of days.”

He didn’t deny that he has interest in the job. Thomas said he believes that the Pacers, if they can keep their nucleus together, will be better for the experience of having played in the finals.

“This was their first time here,” he said. “They weren’t ready for it at the beginning. They gave the first two games away. They didn’t start playing until Game 3 in Indiana. That was too late.”

*

After 13 seasons in the league, Indiana point guard Mark Jackson has savored his first NBA finals experience.

“When you’re driving to the arena, when you’re sitting at home, when you’re watching TV at night, you sit back and go, ‘Wow, we’re one of two teams left. I’m one of 24 or so guys left,’ ” Jackson said. “What an awesome experience.”

*

The Pacers may have lost a key inside presence when they traded big man Antonio Davis to Toronto before the start of the season, but the trade did open things up for players like Dale Davis and Austin Croshere, who both picked up more playing time this season.

Davis, who was named to his first All-Star team, said it has been a very rewarding season because he has had a chance to expand his game.

“I’ve accomplished a lot of personal goals, along with team goals,” Davis said.

“I’m glad I was fortunate enough to get on the All-Star team, [we’ve reached the finals]. . . . You can’t ask for anything better than that in one year. . . .

“I think a lot of it has been opportunity, as far as on the offensive end. We have a lot of scorers on this team, and you just have to get in where you fit in. I’m just getting more opportunities with this team. . . . I think I’m starting to improve on the offensive side of it.”

*

NBC announcer Bill Walton, to Bird before the game:

“What are you going to tell your guys?”

Bird: “I don’t know. Want to come in?”

*

Bird had only one prediction before the game: “Whoever wins this one is going to win the whole thing.”