Pacers' Rick Carlisle explains striking decision that triggered fanbase in Game 2 loss to Knicks

09/05/2024 07:33

The Indiana Pacers fell 130-121 to the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their second round NBA Playoffs matchup on Wednesday night.

The Pacers actually held a 10-point lead at halftime and looked to have all of the momentum before the Knicks stormed back in the third quarter.

After the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle defended his substitution patterns, which have garnered some criticism from Pacers fans, per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star:

“Carlisle on McConnell: ‘T.J. had played a pretty good chunk of minutes. I’d considered it, but our starters had earned the trust to finish games. Nembhard is probably our best on-ball defender. We were flying around trapping too. We had the kitchen sink going at them.'”

McConnell had an excellent game off the bench for the Pacers, snagging 10 points and dishing out 12 assists in 23 minutes on Wednesday. Most importantly, he was a +10 on the night as part of a very effective Indiana bench unit that played solid defense.

Nembhard had 15 points on 7-9 shooting from the floor, but – despite Carlisle’s comment about his defense – allowed New York’s guards a much easier time getting free. He finished a team-worst -21 for the game.

Pacers fans want TJ McConnell

Pacers fans are not thrilled with the decision to pull McConnell.

Caleb – “nembhard has been getting COOKED on-ball”

AJ Meehan – “Nesmith hasn't earned JACK, especially compared to what McConnell and Toppin have been doing these playoffs. Why can't he just say "I f'd up"?”

Dennis Gary Jr. – “He has to play anyone but Nesmith. He gave up the majority of the points”

Andrew Fillipponi – “FREE TJ MCCONNELL. RICK CARLISLE GET YOUR BALD HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS. BLOWING THE SERIES. MCCONNELL COULD HAVE MADE IT 2-0 PACERS SERIES LEAD.”

Chris Williamson – “Rick Carlisle been watching TJ McConnell play tenacious d and create offense for himself and his teammates… yet Rick turns him into a fan during the end of the game…”

Shea Serrano – “indiana fans gotta be so fucking mad that carlisle never brought mcconnell back it”

Cancun Twizzy – “Pacers, this series: +19 with TJ McConnell on court -32 with TJ McConnell on bench He didn’t play the final 7:10. Rick Carlisle is a dumbass”

Brett Kornfeld – “Rick Carlisle taking Mcconnell out of this game singlehandedly swung the game. If I was a Pacers fan I would be beside myself. Its the single worst, most impactful coaching decision of the playoffs thus far. Happy to be on right side of it.”

Mark Blutman – “One of the worst coaching jobs i've ever seen. Carlisle. McConnell was +10 and was only guard who got stops on Brunson and you sat him down the stretch. TJ also had 12 dimes in 24 minutes. Like what are you thinking?! U deserved to get blown out at end.”

Carlisle and the Pacers have a chance to get back in this series when they host the Knicks in Game 3 in Indiana on Thursday night.

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