Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took exception to criticism levied at officiating in the NBA Finals, specifically the rebukes of Scott Foster.

Larry Bird delivered on his promise after the NBA Finals ended 25 years ago, leaving his post as the Indiana Pacers head coach despite coming within two games of a championship victory — a decision that crushed the hearts of Indy fans who already had to deal with the anguish of defeat.

Following the Oklahoma City Thunder's 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, the 2025 NBA Finals are tied at two games apiece.

In the playoffs thus far, Mathurin has been averaging 11.1 points on .504/.326/.865 shooting splits, plus 2.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists. He's converting the aforementioned 86.5 percent of his free throws while attempting 4.7 takes per bout, which makes it all the more disconcerting that he couldn't nail his attempts late.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) AP