NBA fines Pacers HC Rick Carlisle over officiating complaints

The fine seems to stem from one specific comment Carlisle made after Indiana’s 130-121 loss to the Knicks on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Carlisle told reporters after the game that “small-market teams deserve an equal shot.” The implication was that the Knicks were receiving preferential treatment, especially on their home floor.

“I’m always talking to our guys about not making it about the officials but, you know, we deserve a fair shot,” Carlisle said. “There’s not a consistent balance and that’s disappointing. Small-market teams deserve an equal shot. They deserve a fair shot, no matter where they’re playing.”

Carlisle was ejected from Game 2 in part because of a technical foul he received over a double-dribble call against the Knicks that was waved off. The Pacers were trailing 124-118 late in the fourth quarter at the time the call was made. You can watch the whole sequence here.

Carlisle also seemed to hint at frustration with the officiating after Indiana’s 121-117 loss in Game 1, though he was more careful with his comments following that defeat.

The Pacers also submitted a huge number of official complaints to the NBA after Game 2.

Game 3 will be played on Friday night in Indiana. Carlisle’s Pacers will be in danger of getting swept if they cannot turn the series around quickly.