'We deserve a fair shot': Pacers coach Rick Carlisle criticizes refs ejected vs. Knicks
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle had seen enough.
He picked up two technical fouls in the final minute of their 130-121 Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks. The first one came after the officials reverse a double dribble call against Isaiah Hartenstein.
While Hartenstein did not commit a violation, the refs reversed the call made on the floor. Carlisle was livid, picking up a technical.
As it became clear the Pacers would lose, Carlisle mockingly clapped in front of a referee and he was sent to the locker room.
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"I'm always talking to our guys about not making it about the officials, but we deserve a fair shot," he said postgame. "There's not a consistent balance, and it's disappointing.
"(The Knicks') physicality is rewarded and ours is penalized, time after time."
"We deserve a fair shot... I'm just really disappointed."
Pacers HC Rick Carlisle comments on the officiating in Game 2 pic.twitter.com/bq0LiF2G2A— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 9, 2024
ESPN Is reporting that the Pacers have turned in 78 calls from the first two games they feel were incorrect.
One play Carlisle noted was a no-call when Josh Hart pushed Tyrese Haliburton in the back on a second-half fast break.
Josh Hart just shoved Haliburton in the back with both hands and no ref called anything at all. Y’all would want Embiid ejected for this. 😂😂😂 @OfficialNBARefs
pic.twitter.com/BYcpoAxPic— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) May 9, 2024
In Game 1, the refs called a kicked ball on Aaron Nesmith in the final minute, didn't discuss on court, and continued play. On the next play, New York's Donte DiVincenzo hit a 3 to break a tie. After that game, the refs acknowledged they made an incorrect call.
Reggie Miller: How is it inadvertent? I heard it. I heard the whistle and the call.
Brian Anderson: And the signal.
Miller: Right. And the signal. He signaled, double-dribble.
Bizarre sequence that ultimately led to Pacers coach Rick Carlisle getting ejected. pic.twitter.com/hxEupXzJfE— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 9, 2024
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers coach ejected vs. Knicks after refs change call on floor