Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals saw Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle got into a heated argument with a referee after a call didn’t go his team’s way in what was ultimately a loss to the New York Knicks. Carlisle got ejected for his actions and got even more heated in his post-game press conference. Now the NBA has stepped in to add some additional punishments.
On Friday, the NBA announced that Carlisle has been fined $35,000 for “public criticism of the officiating and questioning the integrity of the league and its officials.”
“Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has been fined $35,000 for public criticism of the officiating and questioning the integrity of the league and its officials, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations,” NBA Communications said in a press release.
“Carlisle’s actions took place after the Pacers’ 130-121 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their conference semifinals playoff series on May 8 at Madison Square Garden.”
Carlisle declared that the Pacers were not getting “an equal shot” by the officials because he coaches a “small-market” team.
“Small-market teams deserve an equal shot,” Carlisle said, via ESPN. “They deserve a fair shot no matter where they’re playing.”
Indiana now trail New York 2-0 in the series as they head to Game 3 in Indianapolis. That game will be at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.