Game 3 between the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics was considered a chance for Indiana to retake the series. However, Pacers fans were disappointed when their team blew an 18-point lead before losing 111-114. In the final seconds of the game, head coach Rick Carlisle decided to play NFL style, which only pissed off the fans.
With Boston holding a three-point lead at halftime, the Pacers needed a miracle to send the game into overtime. Carlisle’s performance shocked the public and the Celtics were told to play football style. The Pacers line up like wide receivers on one side of the court as Andrew Nembhard prepares to throw. When the final whistle blew, they went on a rampage, aiming to catch the Celtics. Aaron Nesmith cut to the corner to catch the pass, but his shot hit the rim, sealing the Pacers’ fate.
Carlisle defended the controversial appeal
After the match, Carlisle continued to draw attention to his unusual performance. When asked about the decision, he jokingly replied: “Give us our guidelines, is that what you want?” He said assistant coach Mike Weiner has developed the technique carefully and it has been successful in previous tests. Carlisle defended the call, saying Nesmith was clean despite the mistake.
However, Pacers fans did not forgive him. It wasn’t just the last game that was disappointing; It’s about the team dreaming of the big boss at home. Indiana now trails 0-3 in the series, and history suggests their hopes of advancing are over. The reaction from fans was swift and brutal, with many calling for Carlisle to be fired.
Rick Carlisle on the Pacers final play:pic.twitter.com/Hevbd0Sl5t https://t.co/66zDBqBg3Z
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 26, 2024
Fans are angry and calling for change
The fan reaction is very real. Social media was abuzz with calls for Carlisle’s execution, with fans pointing to the manager’s lack of confidence and the feeling that he was overtrained at a crucial time. One fan shared a clip of Tyrese Haliburton doing a choke during the All-Star break and compared it to Carlisle’s workout. Some called for Carlisle to be sacked in the middle of the season citing doubts about his tactical choices.
Andrew Nembhard stepped up in Haliburton’s absence, scoring 32 points and praising the fans as a player who worked hard to win, indicating that Carlisle’s strategy was the biggest problem. Despite the Pacers’ impressive run to the conference finals after a three-year drought, many fans believe Carlisle’s lead is hurting them.
Wanted Rick Carlisle fired mid season
— Samuel (@Samuel957759783) May 26, 2024
rick carlisle needs to go
— Bennedict’s World (@NaptownProud) May 26, 2024
Not if Rick Carlisle is the coach
— Jeremy Carrigg (@GrizzlyDiddles) May 26, 2024
Rick Carlisle with the game on the line….. pic.twitter.com/sK4imAb1IQ
— John W. (@John_Shaft_1971) May 26, 2024
Autumn season
Criticism ensued, with some fans making negative comparisons. One user compared Carlisle to Lakers head coach Davin Ham, known for his cool demeanor in difficult situations. The idea was clear: Carlisle’s decisions and actions were not what fans would expect from a head coach.
Now Carlisle is in trouble to avoid Game 4. While the Pacers have accomplished something this season, the bottom line is that Carlisle is the right person to lead the team moving forward. Fans believe that the next season will depend on big changes, starting with the head coach.
Looking ahead: Can Carlisle turn things around?
With the disappointment of Game 3 out of the way, the focus turned to the future. Can Rick Carlisle redeem himself and lead the Pacers to a respectable streak? Will there be more calls for him to step down, and will there be major changes in the offseason? This next game will be very important, not only for the Pacers’ season but for Carlisle’s stay on the team.
In a season filled with ups and downs, the Pacers have proven they can compete at the highest level. However, the consistency needed to win the playoffs is nowhere to be found. Carlisle’s ability to adapt and bring the team together in the face of adversity will be tested in an unprecedented way. It remains to be seen if he can handle it or if his time in Indiana is near. Watch the drama unfold in this surprising Indiana Pacers championship run.
