The New York Knicks won 130-121 over the Indiana Pacers on May 8, putting them up two games to none going into game three.
Indiana Pacers Head coach Rick Charlise called out NBA referees while talking to reporters after his ejection, barring his second technical foul 32 seconds before the end of the game.
“Small-market teams deserve an equal shot. They deserve a fair shot no matter where they’re playing,” Charlise said in his post-game conference. He was ejected from the game with 32 seconds left after an outburst toward a referee.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson scored 24 points in the second half to lead the Knicks to the win despite suffering a foot injury that sidelined him most of the first half.
Despite Brunson and the Knicks’ excellent second-half play, after the game, many players, coaches, and fans discussed the questionable reffing and injuries to multiple Knicks players during the first two games.
“There were 29 plays in game one that we thought were clearly called the wrong way,” Charlise said. “I decided not to submit them [to the NBA] because I just felt like we’d get a more balanced whistle tonight. It didn’t feel that way.”
He provided specifics on missed calls from game two and promised to turn over the film from those calls to the NBA for investigation.
Pacers guard TJ McConnell pushed back on Charlise’s fiery support of the team following the game.
“We love Rick showing that type of energy on the court, but that’s not the feeling we have in the locker room. We’re not going to sit here and blame officials. We gotta be better. It’s just that simple,” McConnell said.
Now the Pacers sit 0-2 in the series heading back to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for game three on Friday night at 7 p.m.
Going into Friday’s game, the Knicks have multiple injuries to address, and fans are starting to wonder why so many Knicks stars are getting hit with the injury bug.
Brunson is still dealing with a foot injury he got early in game two. The non-contact injury happened as Brunson was driving to the basket early in the first quarter. He spent the rest of the first half in the locker but returned visibly in pain during the second half.
Knicks small forward OG Anunoby has been ruled out of game three after suffering a reported hamstring injury in game two, according to an ESPN injury report.
Despite the loss, Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton finished with 34 points after only scoring 6 in game one.
“At the end of the day it’s 2-0, we’re going back to Indy and I like us in any matchup, so I’m not worried,” Haliburton said, looking ahead to Firdays game.
The Knicks will suit up to face the Pacers on their home floor in Gainbridge on at 7 p.m. Friday, May 10.
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