Tyrese Haliburton Refuses to Attribute Game 2 Loss to Knicks to Officiating

One call during the game particularly frustrated the Pacers, leading to the ejection of head coach Rick Carlisle. With just over a minute remaining and Indiana trying to cut into a 124–118 deficit, it seemed that the Pacers had gained a possession after Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein was called for a double-dribble.

While it appeared that Hartenstein did not commit the violation, even those adhering strictly to the rule book would find it hard to justify a carry on the play. The whistle blew, signaling the call. However, after a brief discussion among the referees, the play was deemed an inadvertent whistle, awarding possession to the Knicks.

The TNT broadcast team was perplexed by the decision. While the whistle might have been incorrect, it was certainly not inadvertent. Carlisle expressed similar sentiments directly to the referee.

Reggie Miller: How is it inadvertent? I heard it. I heard the whistle and the call.

Brian Anderson: And the signal.

Miller: Right. And the signal. He signaled, double-dribble.

Bizarre sequence that ultimately led to Pacers coach Rick Carlisle getting ejected. pic.twitter.com/hxEupXzJfE

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 9, 2024

Carlisle was ejected shortly after for continuing to argue his case. Post-game, he emphasized that his team wasn't receiving favorable calls against the Knicks, a big-market team.

Rick Carlisle on the overturned double-dribble call toward the end of Q4 tonight:

"That's small beans compared to everything else. Small market teams deserve an equal shot. They deserve a fair shot no matter where they're playing" pic.twitter.com/Es671ejSPm

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 9, 2024