Rick Carlisle's thumbs down moment vs. Pelicans gave us the meme we didn't know we needed

Matthew VanTryon, Indianapolis Star
·1 min read
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Pacers coach Rick Carlisle hasn’t had too many reasons to have fun this season. He finally got one, and took advantage.

With the Pacers leading big over the Pelicans, Chris Duarte was called for an offensive foul. While the referee was explaining the call, Carlisle snuck behind him and gave two thumbs down in view of the camera being shown on the jumbotron at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle questions a call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Indianapolis, Monday, Oct. 25, 2021.
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle questions a call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Indianapolis, Monday, Oct. 25, 2021.

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Fans approved. And a meme was born.

Follow IndyStar trending sports reporter Matthew VanTryon on Twitter @MVanTryon and email him story ideas at matthew.vantryon@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Rick Carlisle thumbs down moment for Pacers against Pelicans is perfect