NBA Fines Pacers Coach Carlisle $35,000 for Criticizing Officials

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for his public criticism of the officiating in the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.

The NBA has fined Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle $35,000 for criticizing the officiating in the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.

The league announced the fine on Friday, citing Carlisle's remarks after the Pacers' 130-121 loss to the Knicks on Wednesday night.

"I'm always talking to our guys about not making it about the officials," Carlisle said after the game. "We deserve a fair shot. There's not a consistent balance, and that's disappointing. Give New York credit for the physicality that they're playing with. But their physicality is rewarded and ours is penalized, time after time."

Carlisle was called for two technical fouls and ejected late in the game as the Pacers lost their second straight game of the series.

The NBA's press release stated that Carlisle was fined for "public criticism of the officiating and questioning the integrity of the league and its officials."

Carlisle's comments came after the Pacers sent 78 plays to the NBA to review, 29 from Game 1 and 49 from Game 2, according to sources cited by The Associated Press.

Officials have already admitted to incorrectly calling a kicked ball violation late in Game 1.

Carlisle's criticism of the officiating has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised him for speaking out against what they believe to be unfair treatment of the Pacers, while others have criticized him for making excuses for his team's poor play.

The Pacers will host the Knicks in Game 3 of the series on Saturday night.

* The NBA's fine is the largest for a head coach this season.

* Carlisle is a veteran coach who has won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks.

* The Knicks have a 2-0 lead in the series.

* The Pacers are hoping to avoid a sweep in Game 3.

* The officiating in the NBA has been a topic of debate for years.

* Some believe that the officials favor certain teams or players.

* The NBA has taken steps to improve the officiating, but the issue remains a concern for many fans.