Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle wasn't happy with the officiating during his team's 130-121 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the second round of their playoff series on Wednesday.
“Small market teams deserve equal opportunity,” he said. told reporters when discussing with the moderator. “We deserve a fair shot no matter where they're playing.”
He also Said The Pacers believed 29 plays were incorrectly called in Monday's Game 1 loss, but decided not to submit them to the NBA.
That plan is changing for Game 2, especially after the head coach was ejected in the closing minutes.
“We're going to turn in this call tonight. Get ready, New York. You're going to see them,” Carlisle said. “We deserve a fair judgement… There's no consistent balance. It's unfortunate.”
Carlisle pointed out that the Knicks are a physical team. He also said Indiana's physicality has punished them with whistles far more often than New York State in this series.
Still, the Knicks' 22-17 free throw advantage in Game 2 wasn't particularly significant. Additionally, Indiana had a double-digit lead but was unable to capitalize on it despite missing the fourth quarter after the home team lost OG Anunoby. exclude due to a hamstring injury.
And then there was Jalen Brunson, who spent most of the first half in the locker room. my right leg hurts. Even with those injuries, the Pacers lost by nine points with a final deficit, suggesting the result wasn't decided by one or two calls.
However, this could be a lingering frustration from the first leg, which was partly determined by poor officiating.
The NBA's final two-minute report of the game revealed that officials mistakenly blew the whistle on Aaron Nesmith for a kickball violation in the final minute when the game was tied. . Indiana forced a turnover and appeared to have a chance to take the lead, but the Knicks held the ball.
Donte DiVincenzo then hit a 3-pointer to give his team the lead for good on that possession.
Referee Zach Zarba Admitted That was a mistake, but the violation of the kicked ball is not subject to review.
Officiating was more of a storyline after the first leg than the second leg, but Carlisle was still not satisfied with the latest results.
