UST IN: Indiana pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is under fire for his questionable decision-making in the NBA Championship game against the….SEE MORE

The 2025 NBA Finals took a dramatic turn last night, and not just because of the scoreboard.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is facing sharp criticism from fans, analysts, and even former players after several controversial coaching decisions in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, which ultimately led to Indiana’s narrow 109-105 loss — and the Celtics clinching the title on their home floor.

Late-Game Strategy Sparks Outrage

The Pacers, trailing by just two points with under a minute left, opted to play straight-up defense rather than use their final timeout to draw up a play. Moments later, Boston’s Jayson Tatum hit a dagger three-pointer that extended the lead and sealed the championship.

“Why not call a timeout? Why not make adjustments?” former NBA player and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins questioned post-game. “That was a moment where coaching matters, and Carlisle didn’t rise to it tonight.”

Key Criticisms Include:

• Benching Tyrese Haliburton late in the fourth quarter despite a strong performance (24 points, 9 assists).

• Leaving backup center Isaiah Jackson on the floor during a crucial defensive stretch, where he was targeted repeatedly in pick-and-roll coverage.

• Failure to adjust to Boston’s full-court press, which led to multiple late-game turnovers.

Carlisle Defends His Approach

In his post-game press conference, Carlisle stood by his decisions:

“We had a game plan. We trusted our matchups. It didn’t go our way, but I’ll always back our guys,” he said. “Hindsight is 20/20. We win as a team, and we lose as a team.”

Fans React

Social media exploded with criticism immediately after the final buzzer:

• “Carlisle cost us a ring. Period.” – @IndyHoopsFan

• “Why was Haliburton sitting? This is the Finals, not a preseason game.” – @PacersLoyalty

• “He let Boston run the same play 3 possessions in a row with no switch. Unbelievable.” – @NBAInsider247

What’s Next for the Pacers?

Despite the loss, the Pacers are expected to retain Carlisle, whose contract runs through the 2026 season. However, sources within the organization suggest a deep internal review will take place in the offseason, particularly around game management and playoff readiness.