Ahead of Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle came to the defense of referee Scott Foster.

The Oklahoma City Thunder outright stole Game 4 from the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals and many are pointing to the refs being the reason why. The Pacers' bench boss doesn't agree with that thought process.

On Monday, the Indiana Pacers suffered a 120-109 loss in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers tried to last against the Thunder, but the opposing team’s hounding defense was too much for them to handle.

Pacers Face Tyrese Haliburton Conundrum With Backs Against Wall originally appeared on Athlon Sports. By almost every measure, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton experienced a playoff meltdown. He missed every field-goal attempt. He lacked aggressiveness. He struggled with running the offense and holding onto the ball.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle confirmed after the Game 5 that Haliburton wasn't 100 per cent but he is confident that he will make it to the next game.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle on why TJ MConnell didn't play more in the fourth quarter of the team's Game 5 loss to Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from a title. Led by Jalen Williams' 40 points (14-25 FG, 3-5 3PT, 9-12 FT) in 35 minutes, the Thunder earned a 120-109 win against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has emphasized assistant Jenny Boucek's impact on the team's defense, which has made a significant leap over the past two years