“Don’t Ever Talk to Black Jesus Again”: Reggie Miller’s Rookie Wake-Up Call from Michael Jordan

Reggie Miller, one of the NBA’s greatest shooters and most legendary trash-talkers, learned early on that some players are simply untouchable—especially Michael Jordan.

During an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Miller recounted a hilarious but humbling story from his rookie season. In an exhibition game against the Chicago Bulls, a young and eager Reggie found himself matched up with Jordan, who was already three or four years into his dominance.

“I had 10 points at halftime, MJ had 4,” Reggie said. Encouraged by teammate Chuck Person, Reggie turned to Jordan and taunted, “Who do you think you are? The great MJ? There’s a new kid in town.”

Bad move.

Jordan didn’t respond immediately—but in the second half, he exploded for 40 points, finishing with 44 to Reggie’s 12.

As he walked off, Jordan delivered the iconic line:
“Don’t ever talk to Black Jesus like that again.”

Miller, now a Hall of Famer, summed it up perfectly:
“Never again. Never to Michael Jordan.”