After his team blew a double-digit lead to the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle called out the NBA’s officiating.
During his postgame press conference, Carlisle made it clear that he was going to submit several plays from Game 1 and 2 for review.
“I can promise you that we’re going to submit these tonight,” Carlisle said, via ESPN. “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.”
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Pacers submitted 78 plays to the NBA. These clips will be shared with the Knicks, per the league’s protocol.
Carlisle claims the Knicks are receiving preferential treatment because they’re a big-market team.
“Small-market teams deserve an equal shot,” Carlisle said. “They deserve a fair shot no matter where they’re playing.”
At the end of the day, the Pacers had their chance to even up the series. Knicks star Jalen Brunson missed the entire second quarter due to a foot injury. Shortly after he returned to action, OG Anunoby suffered a hamstring injury.
The Knicks aren’t complaining about injuries, they’re just grinding out wins. Perhaps the Pacers should stop focusing on the officials and worry about defending home court in Game 3.