Once again, the Indiana Pacers crumbled when it mattered the most.
Despite not having Tyrese Haliburton on the floor because of an injured hamstring, Rick Carlisle’s team was actually up in the score for most of the game.
They led by double digits for most of the contest, including the final quarter.
Then, just like in Game 1, they collapsed and allowed the Boston Celtics to make a big run, including a huge and-one to give them a one-point lead with not much time left on the clock.
Finally, the Pacers couldn’t even get a shot up after a bit of a bizarre play design for the last possession.
Unsurprisingly, the media asked coach Carlisle about that play, and he wasn’t having it.
Following the game, he simply claimed that the Pacers would go after the Celtics in Game 4 before storming out of the press conference (via New York Basketball).
u mad bro? pic.twitter.com/SwSBhdGidz
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 26, 2024
It’s easy to understand that a competitor like Carlisle is frustrated and angry after another tough loss, especially with his team on the verge of elimination.
Still, it’s only natural to see some questions after blowing another lead, especially if the game ended in such a bizarre fashion.
Coach Carlisle hasn’t particularly been at his best during this playoff run, at least when it comes to addressing the media or talking about the referees or whatnot.
Losing is also a part of the game, and while he’s done an outstanding job of putting together and developing this team, he also deserves some criticism for the team’s late-game execution and decision-making; that’s just a part of the job.
NEXT: Pacers Have Made A Decision About Tyrese Haliburton's Status
