Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for his comments criticizing the officials and questioning the integrity of the league. The fine comes after the Pacers' 130-121 loss to the New York Knicks, where Carlisle was ejected late in the game after receiving two technical fouls.
Carlisle expressed his frustration over what he perceived as missed calls during the game and suggested a bias in favor of the Knicks. He emphasized the importance of fairness for small-market teams, stating that they deserve an equal and fair shot regardless of where they are playing.
Following the game, the Pacers submitted 78 plays to the league for review, citing officiating errors in the first two games of the series. The team highlighted 29 incorrect calls from Game 1 and an additional 49 from Game 2, seeking clarification and accountability for the perceived mistakes.
The NBA has not publicly confirmed the receipt of the plays for review, but the Pacers are determined to address the issues they have identified. The team is set to host Game 3 on Friday night, looking to bounce back from their 2-0 deficit in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
It remains to be seen how the league will respond to the Pacers' concerns and whether any adjustments will be made moving forward. The incident underscores the ongoing debate around officiating in professional basketball and the challenges faced by smaller-market teams in competing on a level playing field.
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