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In an alternative reality, the Indiana Pacers are up 2-1 on the Boston Celtics.
In our universe, however, they’re down 0-3.
Once again, late-game execution and questionable decision-making may have cost them a game.
And once again, it might all fall on Rick Carlisle’s shoulders.
This time, the Pacers coach let his players play things out down one with the clock winding down.
He could’ve called a timeout to draw something up.
Instead, Jrue Holiday wound up stripping Andrew Nembhard to seal the win (Via Celtics on NBC Sports Boston).
Jrue Holiday makes the steal of the game pic.twitter.com/3JYV1CXQP6
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 26, 2024
Needless to say, the fans had plenty to say about Carlisle’s decision.
Rick Carlisle not calling a timeout here blows my mind. The Celtics are back on defense. Andrew Nembhard is essentially going 1v4 with Jrue Holiday hounding him. Why no timeout? Poorly coached series by Carlisle in these big moments. pic.twitter.com/mDcnUfNtqT
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 26, 2024
Rick Carlisle smoked 2 games in this series.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 26, 2024
Of course, there’s always a case to be made against calling a timeout in those situations, as you don’t want to allow the opposing team’s defense to get set.
Then again, if you don’t have your best player because of injury and are down 0-2 and at home, chances are you may want to get the best possible look on a potential game-winner.
The Pacers also collapsed in Game 1.
This is a game of details, and one single play can end up having a major ripple effect.
Carlisle is a championship coach and a proven winner, but he hasn’t been particularly at his best in this series.
The post Fans Were Baffled By Rick Carlisle’s Decision In Game 3 Loss appeared first on The Cold Wire.