SUMMARY
- Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau didn't have much to say about Game 3's officiating as the Pacers walked away with the victory.
- Pacers' coach Rick Carlisle was fined $35,000 for criticizing the league's referees.
Game 2 of the New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers series wasn’t expected to be a final-quarter thriller. Both teams were exchanging blows continuously during the final 5 minutes of the game. But yet again there were a few questionable calls that ended up costing Knicks a couple of possessions. This was a problem that the Pacers also faced in Game 2.
Rick Carlisle has been fined $35K for “public criticism of the officiating and questioning the integrity of the league and its officials.” pic.twitter.com/G7K3PfcGDv
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 10, 2024
Following Game 2, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle did not hold back from slamming the officials during the press conference. He said, “Small-market teams deserve an equal shot… They deserve a fair shot no matter where they’re playing.” The league prohibits players and coaches from criticizing the work of the officials. Rick’s comments were “questioning the integrity of the league and its officials”, according to the NBA. He was fined $35,000 as a result.
Tom Thibodeau believes certain calls could have gone the Knicks’ way
After the Knicks faced a similar situation during Game 3, the media wanted to know what Tim Thibodeau had to say about the unfair calls. He said, “From my vantage point I thought those calls could have gone our way. But I’m not gonna comment til I look at the film. But we just gotta find a way to win. That’s the bottom line.” The veteran coach avoided answering the question while indicating that the Knicks had a few unfair calls that were issued to them during the game.
However, the Knicks still put on a great show managing to keep the Pacers away from creating too much separation. Unfortunately, New York came into this matchup without their best defender and rebounder, OG Anunoby. The former NBA Champion was listed out after enduring a hamstring injury in Game 2. Donte DiVincenzo had an outstanding performance recording a team-high 35 points. Alec Burks and Miles McBride provided productive minutes coming off the bench.
Jalen Brunson had a short opening quarter over possible injury concerns
While Jalen Brunson usually plays big minutes during the opening quarter of the game, Tom Thibodeau briefly removed him from the floor after a poor start. Coach Thibodeau addressed it during the press conference saying, “It was just that he got hit. So, I just wanted to make sure he was good.” After a fiery playoff run, the Pacers somehow managed to put clamps on his scoring ability.
Aaron Nesmith was given defensive responsibility over Brunson who was limited to 26 points in 38 minutes. DiVincenzo and Josh Hart were given more minutes in order to avoid damaging Brunson’s existing injury. In Game 2, Brunson experienced a minor foot injury that made his questionable ahead of their recent matchup.