New York Knicks fans are hoping this season will finally end the franchise’s 50-year NBA championship drought. The team took another step in the right direction Wednesday night by defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
New York’s run into the playoffs was not without controversy. In the Knicks’ previous playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, a non-foul call sparked a backlash that resulted in a pivotal possession that saved the game. The NBA later acknowledged that officials should have called fouls on New York’s Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson before Donte DiVincenzo hit the winning shot in Game 2 of the first-round series.
In Game 5, Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey appeared to have escaped a travel violation just before making a crucial 3-pointer, but the Knicks were on the back foot with a no-call.
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Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second round playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 8, 2024. Discussing a call with referee Josh Tibbon #58 during the fourth quarter. . (Elsa/Getty Images)
However, coach Rick Carlisle claimed that the Pacers are experiencing quite a shake-up in their ongoing semifinal series against the Knicks.
Knicks fans shout insults at Reggie Miller, who led the team as a pacer in Game 2
There were several controversial calls in the series opener. New York benefited from a kickball violation, which is not subject to review.
In the final minutes of the game, Indiana led by one point, but the referee blew the whistle on Pacers big Myles Turner for an illegal screen.
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle during the first half of Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs Game 1 vs. the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 6, 2024. I reacted. (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
Illegal screens are typically booked early in NBA games, so the fact that the call was made late in a playoff game surprised some. The Knicks won by four points.
Rick Carlisle’s frustration boiled over in Game 2 when the Pacers head coach received two technical fouls and was ultimately ejected.
Carlisle said Indiana determined there were at least 29 questionable calls and unfair conduct against the Pacers, but the team declined to send the play to the NBA for consideration.
“I decided not to submit because I felt like there was a more balanced whistle tonight. It didn’t feel like that,” Carlisle said. “I always talk to the rest of the team about not bringing up the officials, but we deserve a fair judgement.”
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second round playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 8, 2024. React to calls while inside. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Carlisle added that his team shouldn’t be marginalized just because it plays in a small market.
“Small market teams deserve equal opportunity,” Carlisle said. “They should be given a fair chance no matter where they play.”
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The Knicks lead 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. The series moves to Indiana with Game 3 scheduled for May 10th.
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