Rick Carlisle keeps promise; Pacers file complaint to NBA over officiating in series with Knicks: report

Rick Carlisle was not messing around.

Following the Indiana Pacers’ 130-121 loss to the Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the veteran head coach promised reporters he would file a complaint to the NBA regarding the officiating so far in the series, and that is exactly what they did.

The Pacers have submitted 78 instances of incorrect calls, or non-calls, to the league office that they felt put them at a disadvantage in Games 1 and 2, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. The clips will also be shared with the Knicks, per league protocol.

Carlisle received a technical foul during a timeout with 41.1 seconds left on Wednesday, then drew his second with 33.2 seconds left, resulting in his ejection. While he cited multiple examples of perceived unfair officiating after the game, his frustration began to boil over after a double-dribble call against Isaiah Hartenstein with 1:19 left was overturned.

“Small market teams deserve an equal shot,” Carlisle said. “They deserve a fair shot, no matter where they’re playing.”

Carlisle said the Pacers’ review of Game 1 found 29 calls they believed were made incorrectly. He decided not to submit them to the league because he thought the team would receive more of a fair whistle in Game 2.

The Knicks, who trailed by double figures at halftime with Jalen Brunson sidelined, shot 67% in the third quarter of Game 2 and 65% in the second half once Brunson returned to the court.