NBA Predictably Fines Pacers' Rick Carlisle for Ripping Refs After Game 2 Loss to Knicks

Dan Gartland | May 10, 2024

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has been hit with a fine after he criticized the officiating following his team’s Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday.

It was clear from the moment Carlisle opened his mouth that he’d be writing a check to the league, and the NBA announced Friday that he had been fined $35,000 for his remarks.

“Small-market teams deserve an equal shot,” Carlisle told reporters after the game. “They deserve a fair shot. No matter where they’re playing.”

Carlisle also said that there is “not a consistent balance” in the calls that were made in the first two games of the series, adding that he believed the officials were letting the Knicks play more physically than the Pacers.

A handful of high-profile calls went against the Pacers in the first two games. In Game 1, Indiana’s Myles Turner was whistled for a moving screen violation in the final minute that resulted in a critical turnover. In Game 2, New York’s Isaiah Hartenstein was erroneously called for a double dribble late in the game and the officials gathered to reverse the call. Carlisle was irate that the call was overturned and soon after received two technical fouls and was ejected.