Why Rick Carlisle didn’t want to talk about the refs after a furious night against the Thunder
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle bit his tongue over the controversial call made Thursday’s 141-135 double overtime loss of Oklahoma City Thunder. With 22.5 seconds left in double overtime, officials called the Thunder a crucial timeout after Obi Taupin made a steal and scored to cut the Pacers’ deficit to four (139-135). Carlisle was angry about the play.
However, after the game he decided to keep his think about the judges themselves to avoid a hefty fine from the NBA, Pacers reporter Tony East said.
“I’m not talking about the refs. If I’m talking about the refs, I’m going to be fined an exorbitant amount of money,” Carlisle said.
It’s hard to tell if Carlisle was just disappointed with the play in question, which sent the Pacers head coach to the floor to protest, or with the officiating in general. Nearly half of the Thunder All-Star’s 55 career points came from the free throw line, where he connected on an incredible 23 of 26 attempts. He also finished with eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block as fans accused the MVP of foul-baiting on social media.
Ben Maturin led the Pacers with 36 points and 11 rebounds. All-Star Pascal Siakam finished with 32 points and 15 rebounds, and Taupin added 20 points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench.
Rick Carlisle’s harsh message after the Pacers’ loss against the Thunder
After losing the season opener, the Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle hailed his team’s effort against the Thunder. The Pacers nearly upset the Thunder in a rematch of the NBA Finals to open the regular season, as the Thunder cruised to a double-overtime win in their home opener at the Pike Center.
Carlisle addressed his team’s efforts during his postgame media availability, according to Tyler Smith of Indy Sports Legends.
“This group is tough. There’s not going to be any sugar pill to solve the challenges that come every night. We’re just going to have to have the attitude that we love the challenge of the NBA when you’re not complete,” Carlisle said.
The Pacers, projected by many to be the ultimate playoff team in the Eastern Conference, could have a better regular season than expected.
2025-10-24 15:40:00
