Interview: Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle Reflects On Epic Ove...

Interview: Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle Reflects on Epic Overtime Win and Looks Ahead

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle took some time to reflect on his team’s thrilling 119-118 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, a win that sealed their spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

It was a night to remember at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and Carlisle touched on everything from Aaron Nesmith’s clutch moments to the growing legacy of Tyrese Haliburton in a postgame interview.

“The atmosphere was unbelievable,” Carlisle shared, describing the roaring crowd that turned the arena into a cauldron of energy.

“Our fans were incredible. You could feel their passion and belief in this team from start to finish, and I think it really carried us in those high-pressure moments.”

The game itself was a dramatic back-and-forth battle, culminating in Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning layup and some standout play from unexpected contributors like Aaron Nesmith.

Carlisle made sure to highlight Nesmith’s impact, particularly in crunch time. “

It’s those kind of contributions, Carlisle noted, that add depth to a team’s playoff runs.

Despite the adrenaline of such a dramatic win, Carlisle admitted he’s not one to linger on victories.

When asked about Tyrese Haliburton’s growing leadership, Carlisle made a striking comparison.

“Tyrese reminds me a lot of Reggie Miller,” the coach revealed. “It’s not just his ability to come through in big moments but also his poise and ability to lift his teammates. He’s becoming the face of this franchise, and he embraces that responsibility.”

Carlisle also touched on the courtside exchange between Tyrese Haliburton’s father and Giannis Antetokounmpo, which made headlines.

While he acknowledged the intensity of the situation, he kept a measured perspective.

With the win over the Bucks in the rearview mirror, Carlisle is fully focused on the Cavaliers.

Carlisle joined us this morning on The Fan Morning Show to break it all down even more. Liste below.