Pacers coach Rick Carlisle fined $35K for ripping officials

The NBA fined Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle $35,000 on Friday for "public criticism of the officiating and questioning the integrity of the league and its officials."

Carlisle said the Knicks were receiving preferential treatment as a big-market team following Indiana's 130-121 loss to host New York in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. New York holds a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series heading into Game 3 on Friday night in Indianapolis.

"Small-market teams deserve an equal shot," Carlisle said. "They deserve a fair shot no matter where they're playing."

ESPN reported Thursday that the Pacers are asking the NBA office to review 78 plays that they contend were called improperly by officials in the first two games of the series.

After Game 1, Carlisle said officials had made 29 wrong calls or incorrect non-calls in the game, won 121-117 by New York. After what the Pacers believed were 49 similar instances in Game 2, the team decided to submit the plays to the NBA, per ESPN.

The Knicks will receive the videos for review, too.

"I can promise you that we're going to submit these tonight," Carlisle said after Game 2. "New York can get ready. They'll see 'em too. I'm always talking to our guys about not making it about the officials, but we deserve a fair shot. There's not a consistent balance and that is disappointing."

Carlisle, 64, is in his 22nd season as an NBA head coach.