Pacers submit 78 incorrect and non-calls to NBA

The Indiana Pacers are down 2-0 to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals after losing 130-121 in Game 2. So far in the series they feel like they are playing at a disadvantage, they have submitted 78 instances of incorrect or non-calls to the NBA.  

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said the team found 29 questionable incorrect or non-calls in Game 1. In Game 2 they found 49 incorrect or non-calls according to a source reported by ESPN. The team decided not to send Game 1 calls but changed their minds after Game 2 with the officiating like Game 1. The Knicks will also see the clips the Pacers submitted as it is NBA protocol.  

"I can promise you that we're going to submit these tonight," Carlise said after their Game 2 loss.  

In Game 1, there was a kickball violation that was called on the Pacers, but it was an error and was not corrected. Just before the kickball error, DiVincenzo set a moving screen but the officials missed that call. The officials also called a moving screen on Myles Turner which was a factor in the Pacers losing 121-117.

In Game 2 Carlise was ejected, he was frustrated after the refs reversed a double dribble call, and after witnessing other calls, he believed should have gone their way.   

In the press conference afterward, Carlisle talked about the Pacers not getting a fair shot because they are a small market team.  

"We deserve a fair shot," Carlisle said. "Their physicality is rewarded and ours is penalized." 

Besides the officials, the Pacers must play better. In Game 1 they had the lead and lost it and let the Knicks shoot 65% from the field in the second half. In Game 2 they shot 67% in the third and went on a 36-18 run after Brunson came back from injury. They had chances to pull these games out but did not capitalize on the Knicks' mistakes.  

Carlisle was fined $35,000 Friday for criticizing the officials after Game 2.

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and it's been one of the most exciting playoffs in recent years. Many of the top NBA superstars today are in the playoffs, while others are watching, following some upset losses. Either way, there's no denying that the NBA has a ton of talent right now. So many of the games have come down to the wire, which makes for some pretty incredible, and stressful, endings. So, who are the top NBA superstars of the minute?

Before we get into the top NBA superstars today, let's do some NBA history and look at the top players of all time. There's a reason they call LeBron James the GOAT. He's the best ever, according to the raw statistics and numbers via NBA.com. James knows how to really handle the pressure and fame.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, James went into detail about his fame and how it has impacted his life, both personal and professional. "I don't want to say it ever becomes too much, but there are times when I wish I could do normal things," he said. "I wish I could go to Target sometimes and walk into Starbucks and have my name on the cup just like regular people." He obviously can't do that without everyone rushing to meet the greatest basketball player of all time. NBA experts know that when you have a superstar as big as James, he never plays an away game. No matter what city he's in, people will go to that game just to see him. I have yet to see the GOAT in action, so I hope he returns next year, so I can catch him live.

No. 2 on the list of the greatest NBA players of all time, according to the NBA's stats, is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He played until he was 42 in an era where that was even more rare than it is today. So, how did he avoid burning out? Speaking with the Harvard Business Review, Abdul-Jabbar said, "I just thought that I had the greatest job in the world, and I wanted to keep it as long as I could. I knew it wouldn't last forever." He also noted that in one of his books, he quoted Jackie Robinson saying, "Athletes die twice," because when you're no longer playing professional sports, it's a kind of a death. That's deep.

Now, let's get into the top NBA superstars today.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's stats currently have him at No. 4 in the NBA, according to NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate. He's a great driver and fantastic defender. That's a dangerous combination. He's one of the hottest players of the season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is sitting at a Player Impact Estimate of No. 3 in the league via NBA.com. Sadly, before the playoffs began, Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury, so he was unable to participate. Now, the Bucks are out.

Some might say that putting LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers this far up on the list is a bit surprising. Overall, as I mentioned above, he's the all-time greatest player in the NBA. However, he's currently No. 5 in the NBA right now, according to NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate. He's the GOAT, so I have to put him at No. 3.

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is an absolute beast on the court. That doesn't always mean his always team wins, but he's always out there, giving it his all. Doncic is ranked the No. 2 NBA player right now, via the NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate.

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, "the Joker," is one of the greatest centers of all time. He's ranked No. 1 in the NBA, according to NBA.com's Player Impact Estimate. He has gotten some raised eyebrows lately, due to some weak Nuggets games in the playoffs. But, there's no denying this MVP is the best right now.