NBA Fracas: Pacers’ Mathurin’s Foul Sparks Bench-Clearing Controversy; Cavs Lead 3-1

Game 4 of the Indiana Pacers-Cleveland Cavaliers series erupted into chaos in the first quarter Tuesday night, with Bennedict Mathurin’s flagrant foul sparking a bench-clearing incident that resulted in his ejection and a 38-23 Pacers lead.

Here’s what happened:

• Bennedict Mathurin, Pacers guard, was ejected after committing a flagrant foul 2, punching Cavs forward deandre hunter in the stomach while trying to regain possession.
• Hunter reacted by pushing Mathurin, earning a technical foul. Pacers center Myles Turner also got involved, pushing Hunter and drawing a technical foul himself.
• After review, Mathurin’s punishment was increased because he was deemed the initial aggressor.

Cavs coach Atkinson not pleased with Mathurin’s tough plays

This isn’t the first time Mathurin’s aggressive play has drawn criticism from Atkinson. After game 1, Atkinson called a hard foul by Mathurin on Hunter “excessive,” which led to Hunter’s right thumb sprain and his absence in game 2.

The impact of Mathurin’s ejection

Despite Mathurin’s early exit, the Pacers managed to build a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Mathurin played just a minute and had no points.

FAQs

What was Mathurin’s initial foul?

Mathurin was called for a flagrant foul 2 for punching Cavs forward deandre Hunter in the stomach.

What was the reaction from the Cavaliers?

Deandre Hunter pushed Mathurin, earning a technical foul. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson was critical of Mathurin’s tough play earlier in the series.

“It was an excessive foul,” Atkinson said of Mathurin’s tough play on Hunter in game 1.

Pacers now lead the series 3-1, with game 5 set for Thursday. Can the Cavaliers bounce back and tie the series?

Want to weigh in? Share your thoughts on this intense game and Mathurin’s ejection in the comments below.