The Indiana Pacers did not make the officiating for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series with the New York Knicks a big issue despite having numerous complaints. After they lost Game 2 though, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle let loose.
Carlisle vented about the officiating after his Pacers lost 130-121 to the Knicks. He complained about the calls and indicated he felt his team was a victim because they are not a large-market darling like the Knicks.
Rick Carlisle on the overturned double-dribble call toward the end of Q4 tonight:
"That's small beans compared to everything else. Small market teams deserve an equal shot. They deserve a fair shot no matter where they're playing" pic.twitter.com/Es671ejSPm
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 9, 2024
During his postgame comments, Carlisle specifically cited one play he couldn’t believe the Knicks got away with. In the third quarter of the game, Josh Hart pushed Tyrese Haliburton in the back and was not called for a foul.
No foul was called on Josh Hart for this blatant shove on Haliburton 😆
— PBA insider 🏀 (@PBAinsider) May 9, 2024
Carlisle punctuated his point about the missed call by noting that Haliburton has been dealing with a back injury.
Carlisle may have thrown a little shade at the officials after Game 1. He went all-in on the refs after Game 2.
