Indiana Pacers' Mathurin Ejected For Hitting Cleveland's Hunter: Game 4 Recap

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 28, 2025

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The Play That Led to the Ejection

The controversial incident occurred in the third quarter with the Pacers trailing by a narrow margin. Mathurin, attempting to contest a shot by Jarrett Allen, made contact with Allen's head and shoulder area with what the referees deemed excessive force. The contact sent Allen to the ground.

[Insert video link here - Example: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/[YouTube Video ID]" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> Remember to replace "[YouTube Video ID]" with the actual ID from a relevant YouTube video.] Video: Indiana Pacers Bennedict Mathurin Flagrant Foul Ejection vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 4

The referees immediately assessed a flagrant foul 2, resulting in an automatic ejection for Mathurin. The decision was met with immediate protests from the Pacers' coaching staff and players, but the call stood after a brief review.

• Key aspects of the play:
  • The foul occurred with approximately 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter, a critical juncture in the game.
  • The perceived intentionality of Mathurin's actions is heavily debated. Some argue it was a reckless play, while others believe it was an unintentional consequence of aggressive defense.
  • The reactions were swift and intense. Visible frustration was evident among Pacers players and coaches. The Cavaliers, conversely, displayed a sense of urgency to capitalize on the advantage.

Impact of the Ejection on the Game

Mathurin's ejection undeniably impacted the Pacers' performance. His absence created a significant void in their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. The Cavaliers swiftly capitalized on the momentum shift.

• Impact details:
  • The Pacers' scoring significantly decreased after Mathurin's departure. The Cavaliers went on a decisive run, extending their lead substantially.
  • Team morale seemed to visibly dip following the ejection. The Pacers struggled to maintain their defensive composure, leading to easy scoring opportunities for the Cavaliers.
  • Statistical comparison shows a noticeable drop in field goal percentage and assists for the Pacers after the ejection, while the Cavaliers experienced a boost in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

Potential Consequences for Mathurin

The NBA's review process will determine any further disciplinary action against Mathurin. He faces the possibility of a fine and/or a suspension for future games. The severity of the penalty will depend on the league's assessment of the flagrant foul's intentionality and any previous disciplinary record.

• Potential outcomes:
  • The NBA's review will examine the video footage, referee reports, and player statements.
  • A suspension, ranging from one game to multiple games, is a likely possibility given the nature of the flagrant 2 foul.
  • Should a significant suspension occur, it could have a considerable impact on Mathurin's rookie of the year consideration.

Pacers' Overall Performance in Game 4

Beyond the Mathurin ejection, the Pacers displayed inconsistencies throughout Game 4. While Tyrese Haliburton showed flashes of brilliance, the team struggled with turnovers and defensive consistency. The absence of Mathurin clearly exacerbated these existing issues.

• Summary of Pacers' performance:
  • Key statistics showed a relatively low field goal percentage and a high turnover rate for the Pacers, indicative of their overall struggles.
  • While Haliburton performed admirably, the supporting cast didn't provide consistent offensive contributions. Defensive lapses compounded the problems throughout the game.
  • The loss significantly hampers the Pacers' playoff chances, requiring them to win subsequent games to stay competitive.

Conclusion

Game 4 witnessed a pivotal moment with Bennedict Mathurin's ejection for a flagrant foul. This incident not only altered the game’s trajectory, resulting in a Cavaliers victory, but also casts a shadow over the Pacers' playoff hopes. The potential consequences for Mathurin, including fines and suspension, remain to be seen, further impacting Indiana’s already precarious position. Stay tuned for updates on the potential consequences for Mathurin and continue to follow our coverage for more in-depth analysis of the Indiana Pacers' playoff journey. Learn more about the Indiana Pacers' Mathurin ejection and its ramifications by subscribing to our newsletter! Don't miss out on the latest news and analysis of the Indiana Pacers' playoff run.