Early Ejection Sends Shockwaves Through Game 4
The Eastern Conference Semifinals took a spicy turn when Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin was booted from Game 4 just minutes after tip-off. Moments into the action, Mathurin got tangled up with Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter during an inbound play. Tensions were already high, but things escalated fast—Hunter confronted Mathurin, shoving him to the hardwood. Pacers center Myles Turner jumped into the fray and shoved Hunter right back, prompting a full-on skirmish in front of the roaring Indiana crowd.
Referees wasted no time heading to the replay. After a thorough review, Mathurin's retaliatory closed-fist shot to Hunter’s midsection was ruled a flagrant foul 2, enough for an automatic ejection. Hunter and Turner both received technical fouls for their roles, but Mathurin was showered with boos and cheers alike as he headed for the locker room. This wasn’t the first rough exchange between Mathurin and Hunter either; back in Game 1, Mathurin’s chase-down block left Hunter nursing a bruised thumb, an injury serious enough to keep him out of Game 2.
Pacers Thrive Without Mathurin, Dominate Cavaliers
If the Cavs thought Mathurin's exit might swing the momentum, Indiana quickly set the record straight. Fueled by the emotion and energy in the building, the Pacers went on an absolute tear, racking up a 38-23 lead after the first quarter. Fans saw a display of pace and precision: Tyrese Haliburton set the table with dazzling assists, while Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner punished the Cavs inside and out. Even with a key player missing, the Pacers showed their depth and moxie, controlling every facet of the game.
The Cavaliers, caught off guard by Indiana’s blitz, tried to respond by leaning on Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. But defensive breakdowns and missed shots piled up. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the frustration postgame, saying the altercation and the recent, related injury to Hunter only complicated Cleveland’s uphill battle in this series.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the outcome was clear. Indiana coasted to a 129-109 win, erupting their arena and placing the Cavs in a do-or-die scenario. With a 3-1 series lead, the Pacers now just need a single win to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. The next battle moves back to Cleveland for Game 5, with the Cavaliers desperate to extend their season and Indiana ready to finish the fight.