Tyrese Haliburton Blames Pacers' Efforts, Not Refs, for Loss to Knicks

Indiana Pacers v New York Knicks - Game Two

(Photo : (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 08: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after a call during the first quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 08, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Frustration boiled over following the Game 2 matchup between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks last night.

Pacers' head coach Rick Carlisle slammed the NBA referee crew for the lack of fair officiating throughout the series' first two games.

"Small-market teams deserve an equal shot," Carlisle said.

"They deserve a fair shot, no matter where they're playing," he added.

Rick Carlisle received two technical fouls in last night's game and was eventually ejected. He raged about several calls that he didn't agree with during the game.

Carlisle also pointed out that he had identified 29 questionable calls that went unfairly against the Pacers on Monday night, but were not sent to the league office for review.

"I decided not to submit them because I felt we'd get a more balanced whistle tonight. It didn't feel that way," Carlisle told reporters.

"I'm always talking to our guys about not making it about the officials, but we deserve a fair shot."

Tyrese Haliburton Chimes in

Following the Pacers Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks, Indiana star point guard Tyrese Haliburton also spoke on the officiating of the game.

"They outplayed us. Let's not pretend that the referees are the reason we lost. We just got to be better."

Haliburton broke free from his shooting slump last night, delivering a remarkable performance. He scored an impressive 34 points on 11-19 shooting, accompanied by 9 assists and 6 rebounds.

Him and the Pacers put forth a valiant effort. However, their efforts were not enough, as the Knicks pulled out the 130-122 victory in the fourth.

"They outplayed us. Let's not pretend like the refs are the reason we lost. We just got to be better"

Haliburton after Game 2 vs. Knicks pic.twitter.com/zxuGZHj2K1
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 9, 2024

Now or Never for the Indiana Pacers

The Pacers find themselves in a do-or-die situation as the series shifts back to Indiana. They must give it their all, striving to even the series at 2-2 once heading back to New York.

Indiana played better in Game 2, but couldn't pull out the win. Now with their backs against the wall, the Pacers need to figure something out to at least win at home.

The Knicks out-rebounded them 26-13 and scored 67 points in the second half, shortly after the Pacers took a 10-point lead going into halftime.

New York managed to pull away in the fourth, erupting in the game's final minutes.

"It just goes to show you it's a bunch of dogs on the team," Precious Achiuwa said afterward. "Guys were locked in, ready to come in and play their parts for the most part."

Achiuwa then added, "a lot of guys love to win on the team, so you can't ask for anything more than that. Once you have a bunch of guys that enjoy winning and are willing to do whatever it takes to win a basketball game, you can go far with that."