Pacers File Officiating Complaint with NBA Over Absurd Number of Missed Calls

Mike McDaniel | May 9, 2024

May 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle argues with an / Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers fell behind 2-0 in their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks following Wednesday's 130-121 loss, and the team has identified a primary culprit to thank for putting their season on the brink.

Officiating.

After Pacers coach Rick Carlisle ripped the officiating in the wake of Wednesday night's loss, the organization filed a formal complaint against the NBA, citing 78 different plays where they believed a call was made incorrectly in Games 1 and 2, according to a report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst. There were 49 plays from Game 2 that were sent to the league office.

Carlisle was ejected in the final minute of Wednesday night's loss, and wasn't shy about directing his ire at the officiating crew.

"I can promise you that we're going to submit these tonight," Carlisle bitterly quipped during media availability. "New York can get ready. They'll see 'em too. I'm always talking to our guys about not making it about the officials, but we deserve a fair shot. Small market teams deserve an equal shot. They deserve a fair shot no matter where they're playing."

Carlisle must have forgotten that we're just a few years removed from the Milwaukee Bucks winning the NBA title.

Game 3 is Friday night in Indianapolis. Expect the Pacers to get a few more calls.