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NBA Reacts to Major Rick Carlisle News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated May 22, 2025 8:51 AM ET

The Indiana Pacers hold a 1-0 lead over the New York Knicks after a thrilling Game 1 matchup in Madison Square Garden.

Indiana defeated the Knicks 138-135 after forcing overtime. They were led by Tyrese Haliburton on the floor, but off the floor, head coach Rick Carlisle coached yet another masterclass.

After the win over the Knicks, the NBA highlighted Carlisle's incredible career.

According to the official social media account of the NBA, Carlisle has moved into the No. 11 spot on the all-time playoff coaching wins list.

"Congrats to Rick Carlisle of the @Pacers for moving into 11th on the all-time playoff COACHING WINS list!" posted the NBA.

Congrats to Rick Carlisle of the @Pacers for moving into 11th on the all-time playoff COACHING WINS list!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/QjQJZV9QOX
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025

Rick Carlisle has now earned 80 career playoff wins, tying George Karl and Lenny Wilkens while passing Rick Adelman with the victory.

Here's a look at the list of names ahead of Carlisle in the all-time playoff coaching wins: K.C. Jones, Jerry Sloan, Red Auerbach, Larry Brown, Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, Doc Rivers, Gregg Popovich, Pat Riley and Phil Jackson.

Phil Jackson holds the No. 1 spot on the prestigious list with 229 wins in his coaching career, having led dynasties with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The closest name behind Jackson is Pat Riley, who has 171 playoff wins in his coaching career.

Rick Carlisle will look to add to his resume on Friday at 8 p.m. ET, when the Indiana Pacers face the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

They would then travel to Indiana to host their first game of the ECF on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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