New York – Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed frustration with the officiating following the team’s Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks. Carlisle, who had initially avoided discussing the issue after Game 1, highlighted what he perceived to be unfair calls against his team during the series.
In a post-game press conference, Carlisle took issue with a number of calls, including a missed foul on Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton by Knicks guard Josh Hart. The coach argued that the physical play of the Knicks was being rewarded, while similar actions by the Pacers were penalized.
Carlisle went on to address what he saw as discrepancies in officiating treatment based on market size, suggesting that small-market teams like the Pacers deserve equal treatment. He expressed disappointment over what he viewed as a lack of consistency in calls throughout the series.
The Pacers reportedly submitted a total of 78 calls they felt were incorrect to the league office following Game 2. Carlisle acknowledged the team’s efforts to address what they perceived as imbalanced officiating but expressed disillusionment with the outcomes.
Despite Carlisle’s criticisms of the officiating, he emphasized the importance of advocating for his players and standing up for what he believes is right. The coach pledged to submit video clips to the league office in hopes of addressing the perceived discrepancies in calls going forward.
The tense atmosphere culminated in Carlisle being ejected from the game in its final minute after receiving two technical fouls. The coach’s passionate defense of his team and dissatisfaction with officiating decisions reflected the high stakes of playoff competition.
While the Pacers ultimately fell to the Knicks in Game 2, Carlisle’s vocal opposition to what he sees as unjust calls has sparked discussion about the role of officiating and fairness in professional basketball. As the series continues, all eyes will be on how the league responds to the concerns raised by the Pacers and their coach.