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Bennedict Mathurin's Ejection: How the Pacers Won Despite Losing Their Star
The Indiana Pacers' Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals was a wild ride. It featured a shocking first-quarter ejection for Pacers star Bennedict Mathurin, followed by an improbable, dominant victory. This article dives into the fiery altercation, the surprising Pacers' response, and the impact on the series.
The Mathurin-Hunter Showdown: A Flagrant Foul and Heated Words
The tension between Mathurin and Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter had been simmering since Game 1, where both players received double technicals. But Game 4 exploded. With 4:32 left in the first quarter, a physical play by Mathurin, involving contact with Hunter's chest, ignited a full-blown altercation. Hunter retaliated with a forceful shove, sending Mathurin to the floor. Words were exchanged, culminating in Hunter's infamous challenge: "I’ll meet you off the court."
- Key Players Involved: Bennedict Mathurin, De’Andre Hunter, and Myles Turner (who intervened).
- The Result: A flagrant foul 2 for Mathurin (leading to his ejection), and technical fouls for Hunter and Turner.
The referees, after review, deemed Mathurin's contact a flagrant foul 2, resulting in his immediate ejection. This left the Pacers without one of their key offensive players, a seemingly devastating blow.
Pacers' Resilience: A Record-Breaking Response
Incredibly, the Pacers didn't crumble. Instead of succumbing to the pressure, they seemed to rally around their ejected teammate. They displayed incredible team unity and determination, playing with a fiery intensity that stunned the Cavaliers.
- First-Half Dominance: The Pacers exploded offensively, scoring an astounding 80 points in the first half – tying an NBA playoff record for the largest halftime lead!
- Stepping Up: With Mathurin out, players like Myles Turner (20 points) and Obi Toppin (20 points) rose to the occasion, showcasing the team's impressive depth and ability to overcome adversity.
- Final Score: The Pacers secured a resounding 129-109 victory, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead.
The Cavaliers faced further adversity when Donovan Mitchell suffered a left ankle injury in the second half, limiting his effectiveness. Darius Garland battled through his own pain, but the Pacers' performance proved insurmountable.
The Aftermath and Series Implications
Cavaliers interim head coach Kenny Atkinson maintained a composed demeanor after the game, choosing to focus on his team's performance rather than the controversial moments. While the Mathurin-Hunter feud provided dramatic highlights, it was the Pacers' collective response that truly defined Game 4.
Bennedict Mathurin's ejection, initially perceived as a potential turning point for the worse, ultimately became a catalyst for the Pacers. Their remarkable comeback highlighted their team spirit, resilience, and depth. The series shifts back to Cleveland for Game 5, with the Cavaliers facing elimination and the Pacers on the verge of the Eastern Conference Finals. The incident, while controversial, will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in this thrilling playoff series.
