Mathurin Ejected After Altercation in Game 4

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin was ejected in the first quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers after striking Atlanta Hawks' De’Andre Hunter in the chest, leading to a Flagrant 2 foul and automatic ejection. Hunter, not a Cavaliers player, retaliated by shoving Mathurin and received a technical foul, while Pacers center Myles Turner was also assessed a technical for his involvement. The altercation escalated tensions in an already heated series. Mathurin’s ejection deprived the Pacers of one of their top scorers and emotional leaders for the remainder of the crucial game. The NBA is expected to review the incident, though a Flagrant 2 does not automatically result in a suspension. The Pacers led the series 2-1 entering Game 4 and will need to adjust their rotation following Mathurin’s absence.