Ejected in the First Quarter: Mathurin’s Flagrant Foul

In the fourth game of the series between the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, tension boiled over in the first quarter. Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin was expelled after committing a flagrant foul 2. Mathurin’s closed fist connected with Cavaliers forward Deandre Hunter’s abdomen as the Pacers were throwing the ball in.

“Mathurin hit the abdomen with the closed fist of Cavs-forward De”andre Hunter while the Pacers threw the ball, earning him a flagrant foul 2 and an ejection.”

Reactions and Consequences

• Hunter responded by pushing Mathurin to the ground, earning himself a technical foul.
• Pacers center Myles Turner joined the altercation, pushing Hunter and also receiving a technical foul.
• After a review, Mathurin was punished more severely for triggering the incident.

History of Tensions: Atkinson’s Criticism

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson had previously criticized Mathurin for a tough foul in game 1 of the series, in which Mathurin blocked Hunter’s layup, resulting in a sprained right thumb for Hunter. Atkinson described it as an “excessive foul.”

“It was an excessive foul.”

Pacers’ Early Lead Despite Mathurin’s Exit

Despite Mathurin’s early disqualification, the Pacers managed to build a 38:23 lead against the Cavaliers in the first quarter. Mathurin had only played for a minute and left the game scoreless.