INDIANAPOLIS — The NBA has fined Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle $35,000 for his criticism of postseason officiating.
According to a press release, Carlisle was fined for "public criticism of the officiating and questioning of the integrity of the league and its officials."
The NBA's executive vice president and head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, made the announcement after the Pacers lost Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the New York Knicks, 130-121, on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Carlisle said in a press conference after the game that "small-market teams deserve an equal shot." During the game, Carlisle was tagged with two technical fouls before ultimately being ejected.
According to the Associated Press, Carlisle said the Pacers found 29 calls they felt the officials got wrong in Game 1. He added that Indiana did not submit their grievances to the league.
Per ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Indiana later filed a complaint to the NBA over 78 bad calls. The complaint detailed officiating decisions made in Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
New York and Indiana will collide again on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tipoff of Game 3 is set for 7 p.m.
The Knicks currently have a 2-0 advantage in the series after winning Games 1 and 2.