The first two games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers have had no shortage of action. There have also been more than a few controversial moments throughout Games 1 and 2, with Knicks emerging victorious in both.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle hasn’t been very shy about calling out the game officials for the unfair treatment he believes his team is being subjected to. The tenured shot-caller also had some harsh criticism reserved for Knicks star Josh Hart.
New York Knicks News: Rick Carlisle Slams Josh Hart
Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton has been playing through a back problem, which is an injury that dates back to Indiana’s first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks. In Game 2 against the Knicks, Haliburton got shoved from behind by Hart in what Carlisle considers to be a contentious moment.
The Indiana coach stopped short of calling Hart a dirty player for his antics on Haliburton:
“The whole world knows that Haliburton‘s got a bad back. And Hart comes up and shoves him in the back“
— What is Rick Carlisle suggesting? pic.twitter.com/lNMIr7qr78
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 9, 2024
While Carlisle may have not said it directly, it does appear that he is hinting that there was some malice from Hart when he pushed Haliburton during the above play.
This adds yet another layer of controversy to the already drama-filled series between the Knicks and the Pacers.
Hart is not the type who keeps his feelings to himself, so it would not be surprising if he claps back at Carlisle’s loaded accusation here.
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