OKLAHOMA CITY — In a riveting NBA Finals Game 1, Tyrese Haliburton secured victory for the Indiana Pacers with a game-winning shot just 0.3 seconds from the end. This marked Haliburton’s fifth clutch shot to either tie or take the lead in the final moments of a playoff game, a feat unmatched in the past 27 years.
But the decisive moment was not just his remarkable shooting. Just 10.8 seconds prior, with Indiana trailing by a single point and time winding down, their fast-paced transition could have prompted coach Rick Carlisle to call a timeout to regroup his players amid the chaos of an arena buzzing with intensity. Instead, Carlisle chose to remain silent, allowing his team to act autonomously based on the plan he had outlined moments before.
“‘If we get a stop and get the rebound, we’re going to go,’” Carlisle had told his team, trusting in their ability to execute without direct orders.
This decision to step back brings to mind a significant evolution in Carlisle’s coaching style that has developed over the past decade. Known initially for his tightly controlled approach, Carlisle has evolved into a coach who empowers his players to lead during critical moments. This change traces back to the Mavericks’ 2011 championship run in Dallas, during which he recognized the importance of allowing star players the freedom to dictate the pace and flow of the game.
T.J. McConnell, the Pacers’ backup point guard, described Carlisle’s shift in perspective. “If the narrative was ‘He’s controlling,’ it couldn’t be more untrue,” McConnell said. “The empowerment that he shows us as players has been incredible, and it’s a big reason I think for a lot of our success.”
When Carlisle commenced his coaching career in Detroit in 2001, he embodied a contrast of flexibility and rigidity. He was adept at altering strategies based on the talent available but insisted on orchestrating plays from the sidelines. His coaching style was cemented during his first stint in Indiana and again when he took the helm in Dallas in 2008, where he famously implemented plays like “four-up” to ensure superstar Dirk Nowitzki received the ball.
However, the dynamics shifted when Jason Kidd joined Dallas. Carlisle discovered the necessity to relinquish control and let Kidd lead the charge. “What I learned … was to give J-Kidd the ball and get out of the way,” he said, a pivotal strategy change that contributed to the Mavericks’ success in 2011. This strategy allowed Dallas to mount some of the most memorable comebacks in Finals history.
Fast forward to today, the impact of Carlisle’s trust and flexibility continues to resonate within the Pacers organization. Under his leadership, Haliburton is thriving, helping the team demonstrate resilience in high-pressure scenarios. Notably, of the three teams that have come back to win a Finals game after trailing by at least 15 points in the fourth quarter, two were coached by Carlisle, both times allowing players considerable autonomy on the court.
In the modern NBA, player empowerment has become increasingly critical, especially in the Finals where defensive strategies are meticulously dissected. As Pacers center Myles Turner noted, “Calling plays from the sideline routinely doesn’t work; it’s easy to scout.” The unpredictability that comes with allowing players like Haliburton the freedom to make decisions leads to more dynamic offenses capable of adapting to the opponent’s defensive schemes.
Carlisle equates fostering trust with Haliburton to the confidence he placed in Kidd and, later, Luka Doncic during his Dallas tenure. “It’s pretty clear,” he emphasized, “when you have a player of that kind of magnitude, that kind of presence, that kind of knowledge and vision and depth, you got to let them do what they do.”
This trust, while slightly unnerving at times, can lead to invaluable lessons for the players. Carlisle understands that while mistakes may cloud the learning process, the overall benefits of giving players the reins are paramount.
Yet, Carlisle’s journey to empowerment has not been without its challenges. A notable conflict arose in 2015 with Rajon Rondo, whose insistence on controlling the offense clashed with Carlisle’s directives. The fallout led to Rondo’s departure, further underscoring Carlisle’s readiness to adapt his coaching philosophy amid friction.
Even during Carlisle’s first season back with the Pacers in 2021, he faced hurdles. “We had a game … where he stopped us and called a play every single possession,” Turner recalled, signaling that the transformation from a strictly controlled coach to one who trusts his athletes to make decisions did not happen overnight.
Tony Bradley, newly signed on a 10-day contract, revealed mixed reviews about playing for Carlisle circulated throughout the league prior to his arrival. However, he quickly dispelled any hesitations, recognizing the coach’s openness and willingness to let players interpret the game as they see fit. Bradley found, “He is very open and lets us make the reads.”
Carlisle’s meticulous standards remain evident. His approach blends accountability with an incentive for players. This synergy allows players not only to flourish under his guidance but also to take responsibility for their performance on the court.
This unique leadership style encourages a culture of improvement. As Pacers forward James Johnson notes, “He won’t let any of the teammates settle regardless of who you are from top to bottom, and that makes a difference. The accountability extends to all, fostering an environment where players strive for collective growth.”
Johnson appreciates the freedom Carlisle affords, noting that this liberation fosters a sense of entitlement among players. “When you get freedom to run the show a little bit, you feel a little more entitled, and you feel like the obligation to get the job done is more on your shoulders,” he stated.
Rick Carlisle’s evolution as a coach encapsulates a journey that began years ago. It reveals crucial lessons about trusting players, stepping back to let them flourish, and ultimately, the rewards of adapting one’s coaching approach lead to unparalleled success, both in the regular season and the playoffs.
With Haliburton guiding the Pacers through decisive moments and Carlisle’s evolved coaching philosophy at play, Indiana is now just three victories away from reaching its first NBA championship. As the series progresses, both the team and their coach continue to showcase the power of collaboration and trust on the path to glory.
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