Indiana Pacers' head coach accepts responsibility for defeat in Game 1 against Boston Celtics during the Eastern Conference Finals.
In the final moments of regulation time, the Pacers held a three-point lead and possession of the ball. However, when Andrew Nembhard attempted to pass to Pascal Siakam, the Indiana team ended up turning the ball over.
This crucial mishap was swiftly capitalized on by Jaylen Brown, who tied the score at 117-117 with a corner three-pointer. The Celtics ultimately triumphed in overtime, moving ahead in the series while leaving Carlisle contemplating the lost chance for victory.
Addressing the media post-game at Boston's TD Garden, Carlisle expressed dismay over the mismanaged closing moments. "I adore how our players battled in this game. This defeat is 100% my fault. With 10 seconds remaining in regulation play, we should have simply called a timeout, advanced the ball, and figured out a way to score," he admitted.
Carlisle acknowledges there were other error-ridden moments in the game, but remains focused on the positive aspects of the team's performance, citing their resilience throughout the season.
Despite shoulder some of the blame for the chaotic end to the regular time, the Pacers' head coach remained upbeat about their chances in Game 2 on Thursday. "We exhibited a lot of good qualities that we must maintain, and we've been a determined, strong-willed unit for most of the latter half of the season. We need to keep that going on," Carlisle asserted.
For the Celtics, their opening game success provided a significant morale boost. Renowned for his timely playmaking, Jaylen Brown scored 27 points, including the decisive three-pointer in overtime. Jayson Tatum, meanwhile, led the team with a game-high 36 points, displaying his pressing presence when it mattered most.
Underlining the unpredictability of the game, Brown mused to reporters, "Welcome to the NBA Playoffs... you have to manage your emotions during the match. The game isn't over until the final whistle blows."
Jrue Holiday delivered an exceptional performance with a career-best 28 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals. Feeling unfazed by the late-game swing in fortunes, Holiday noted, "We've seen insane twists and turns in proceedings all the time. We don't consider ourselves as having lost until we've lost the contest."
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In the press conference, Carlisle acknowledged that failing to call a timeout with 10 seconds left in regulation time was a mistake he regretted. During the game, Brown's corner three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation forced overtime, turning the tide for the Celtics.
Source: edition.cnn.com
