Losing Over $100K in NBA Punishment, Pacers HC Stays Silent on Controversial Loss to OKC

This isn’t Carlisle’s first encounter with the hefty fines the NBA hits coaches with. Back in 2012, when he used to coach the Dallas Mavericks, Carlisle and team owner Mark Cuban were fined for questioning team officials. They were fined $110,000 together, with the coach responsible for $35,000. Then, in 2013, Carlisle questioned officials again following losses to the Trailblazers and the Warriors, paying $25,000.

More recently, he publicly criticized the officiating in the 2024 playoffs when the Pacers played the Knicks in round 2. He also questioned the league’s integrity and was given a hefty $35,000 fine. This, combined with his many technical fouls over the years, including one tonight, has added up, totaling over $100K, clearly signaling that he is not afraid to call out what he sees as unfavorable calls.

This isn’t the first time Carlisle has made humorous remarks about the fines. In 2015, Dallas won Game 4 against the Rockets in the first round following a physical matchup with five technical fouls handed out. When asked about the physicality in a post-game conference, he put tape on his mouth to avoid receiving another fine for calling out refs. He also added, “I understand the fine… I accept it, and I think they’ll put the money to very good use.”

Rick Carlisle’s Frustration Boils Over in Heated Finals Rematch

Tonight, Rick Carlisle earned yet another technical foul. During the matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Indiana Pacers’ head coach wanted some time to check if a call should be challenged. Still, the officials let the ball be inbounded after less than five seconds. Carlisle was upset and started arguing with the ref, resulting in him being given a technical.

However, the drama didn’t stop there. At halftime, Carlisle tried to make his way to the Pacers locker room, walking by a courtside camera operator. Carlisle, already frustrated, let his annoyance loose on him, shouting at him to move back, while the sequence was displayed on the broadcast. He was not penalized, but the clip quickly went viral on social media.

Clearly, the Finals rematch against the Thunder meant a lot to both coach and team, and they tried their very best, ultimately failing. His techs serve as a clear indication to his squad that he needs their entire effort, every single night.