The Indiana Pacers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a closely contested, double-overtime season opener, but it wasn’t just the scoreboard causing a stir. Late in the game, a controversial sequence took place: Pacers forward Obi Toppin managed to steal the ball off an inbound attempt from the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, but the officials ruled that OKC had managed to call a timeout before the ball was inbounded. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle had to walk the tightrope in the post-game conference.

When asked directly if he had received an explanation for the timeout call, Carlisle replied, “I’m not talking about the refs. If I talk about the refs, I’ll be fined an exorbitant amount of money.” His humorous words highlighted the issues for the Pacers coach: even one of the league’s most seasoned coaches faces significant financial penalty if he publicly questions refereeing decisions.

This isn’t Carlisle’s first encounter with the hefty fines 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 a total of $110,000 together, with the coach responsible for $35,000. Then, in 2013, Carlisle questioned officials yet again following losses to the Trailblazers and the Warriors, this time 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 integrity of the league, and was given a hefty $35,000 fine. This, combined with his many technical fouls over the years, including one tonight, have added up, totaling to 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 either. Back in 2015, Dallas won Game 4 against the Rockets in the first round following a physical matchup which saw five technical fouls handed out. When asked about the physicality in a post-game conference, he put tape on his mouth to avoid receiving yet 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, but 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 cameraman. Carlisle, already frustrated, let his annoyance loose on the him, shouting at him to move back, while the sequence was displayed on the broadcast. No additional penalties were given to him, 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.