Rick Carlisle Details Where Unique 'WR Slants' Pacers Play Came From

Patrick Andres | May 26, 2024

May 21, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle watches from the sideline as they take on the Boston Celtics. / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

In a last-gasp attempt to salvage Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals Saturday evening, the Indiana Pacers turned to an unlikely source: football.

The Pacers' crack at inbounding the ball with 1.7 seconds left bore all the hallmarks of a shot to the end zone, right down to Indiana's players appearing to run personalized routes. In the end, Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard hit forward Aaron Nesmith in stride—but his three-point attempt was just offline, moving the Boston Celtics to within a victory of the Eastern Conference title.

After the game, Carlisle discussed the interesting play in greater depth.

"We've had it for awhile," Carlisle said. "It was a play that was conceived by (Indiana assistant) Mike Weinar, who came up with it. We've used it a couple times over the last couple years, and gotten looks on it. Same situation happens the next game, we'll have something a little bit different and hope we get the same kind of look."

It was like one of those NFL slant pick plays. Watch Dougie clear out Jaylen by just running his route. Executed to perfection. https://t.co/pkI3QzBhj0 pic.twitter.com/pzg6ItZxZL

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 26, 2024

The Pacers may not have been able to beat the Celtics with the play, but throwing a scare into the New England Patriots isn't off the table.