This past Sunday evening, the Lakers and Pacers produced one of the most exciting games of the campaign, as the purple and gold finally came out on top with a 150-145 victory. The win proved to be huge for the Los Angeles team, as they separated themselves further from the Warriors, who are right behind them in the Western Conference’s 10th spot.
Nevertheless, the exciting matchup which ended in a 295-point contest, was unfair according to Indiana coach Rick Carlisle, who couldn’t help but mention the free throw disparity throughout the game. The tactician went all the way to say that it was “impossible to overcome” their rivals against the referees’ favouritism.
“Thought our guys really battled in this game, there were just certain things that were impossible to overcome,” he expressed postgame. “The 27 free-throw differential is one, and the 17 foul differential is the other. And I’ll leave it at that.”
Rick Carlisle on the loss to the Lakers: “There were certain things that were impossible to overcome…The 27 free throw differential is one and the 17 foul differential is the other. And I’ll leave it at that.” pic.twitter.com/Pbbsav25ZY
— Bally Sports Indiana (@BallySportsIN) March 25, 2024
While the Lakers were given 43 free throws this Sunday, their opponents only attempted 16. This wasn’t the first time this season that a head coach has spoken out against this clear disparity, as Toronto’s Darko Rajaković was even fined after yelling his discomfort after a game against the L.A. team back in January.
“I understand, respect for All-Stars and that, but we have star players on our team as well. How is it possible that Scottie Barnes [who was an All-Star this year]… he goes every single time to the rim with force and trying to get to the rim without flopping and not trying to get foul calls,” he started out.
The Raptors coach couldn’t understand how Barnes was treated so differently than his All-Star rivals. “He gets two free throws for the whole game. How is that possible? How are you going to explain that to me? They had to win tonight? If that’s the case just let us know so we don’t show up for the game. Just give them the win,” he said angrily.
The Serbian tactician ended up paying a $25,000 fine for his tantrum, as it will be curious to see if the NBA decides to punish Carlisle for his words. However, the Pacers coach did phrase his thoughts in a…