Through two quarters of action, the Indiana Pacers appeared to be in a great position to win Game 2 and even the series heading back to Indiana. The Pacers led by as many as 12 and took a 10-point lead into halftime. Additionally, New York’s Jalen Brunson left the game in the second quarter and didn’t return before halftime — leaving his status for the second half in doubt.
Instead of putting their foot on the gas, the Pacers were outscored 36-18 in the third quarter and never held a lead in the fourth. After the loss, however, the attention shifted to the referees. According to ESPN, the Pacers filed a complaint with the NBA of 78 incorrect or non-calls that they felt put them at a disadvantage in Games 1 and 2.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who was ejected in the final minute, didn’t hold back with reporters.
“I can promise you that we’re going to submit these tonight,” Carlisle said. “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. Small-market teams deserve an equal shot. They deserve a fair shot no matter where they’re playing.”
Despite holding a 2-0 lead, New York has some serious injury concerns. Brunson returned for the second half and was dominant in the fourth quarter — 29 points in 32 minutes — but it remains to be seen how he will feel once the adrenaline wears off. Additionally, OG Anunoby left the game with a hamstring injury. Before being forced to sit, Anunoby had poured in 28 points in 28 minutes.
