There were moments during Wednesday’s night game when it looked like the Indiana Pacers might steal a victory at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
But in the end, they lost, 130-121.
On Thursday’s “Undisputed,” Paul Pierce said the problem with the Pacers lies with their head coach, Rick Carlisle.
“I think Rick Carlisle is being outcoached,” Pierce said.
“The playoffs are about making adjustments,” Pierce added, saying that Carlisle isn’t embracing the necessary changes to get the best of the Knicks.
“Rick Carlisle is getting outcoached. If you don’t make adjustments, you’ll get swept.”@PaulPierce34 on Pacers dropping Game 2 pic.twitter.com/SjRMbYVOi1
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 9, 2024
Pierce listed a few things that Carlisle is doing incorrectly.
He said that the team isn’t defending the right way, pushing on the Knicks at half-court instead of giving them more room to breathe.
This is leading to too many free throws for New York.
Additionally, Pierce believes that Carlisle should look at his roster and take Aaron Nesmith off the floor and replace him with T.J. McConnell.
The Pacers had a huge opportunity during Game 2 because Jalen Brunson was injured and spent time in the locker room during the second quarter.
That was the time for the Pacers to strike and build a big lead.
Instead, they didn’t do that and when Brunson returned, he made up for lost time and helped his team go up 2-0 in the series.
Following the game, Carlisle spoke out about the referees and their calls.
But Pierce thinks that is a waste of time and the coach should have been focused on making changes and giving his team a chance.
The series is now heading to Indiana.
Will Carlisle and his team change things up and score a much-needed victory?
NEXT:
Pacers Felt 49 Calls Were Incorrect In Game 2 Loss To Knicks