Context:

In a heated first-round playoff game between the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, tensions flared when Bennedict Mathurin was ejected for hitting De'Andre Hunter with a closed fist, resulting in a Flagrant 2 foul. The incident occurred during an inbound play, where Mathurin's hit caused Hunter to double over, leading to Hunter retaliating by shoving Mathurin, which prompted intervention from teammates and coaches. Hunter and Myles Turner were also given technical fouls for their roles in the altercation. The NBA defines a Flagrant 2 as unnecessary and excessive contact, warranting Mathurin's automatic ejection, though it does not guarantee a suspension. The league will review the incident to determine if further disciplinary action is needed, distinguishing the closed fist action from a punch, which carries different penalties according to league rules.

Dive Deeper:

• Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers was ejected during Game 4 of their playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers after delivering a closed fist hit to De'Andre Hunter's midsection, resulting in a Flagrant 2 foul.

• The altercation initiated when Mathurin's contact caused Hunter to double over in pain, leading to a confrontation where Hunter shoved Mathurin to the ground, escalating tensions on the court.

• Both teams' coaching staffs had to step in to separate the players, and technical fouls were issued to Hunter and Myles Turner for their involvement in the fracas.

• A Flagrant 2 foul is characterized by the NBA as unnecessary and excessive contact that is not within the scope of normal game play, justifying Mathurin's ejection from the game.

• While a Flagrant 2 does not automatically lead to a suspension, the NBA will review the incident to assess the sportsmanship of Mathurin's actions, noting the distinction between a closed fist and a punch.

• The outcome of this review could influence disciplinary measures, as the league has strict rules regarding unsportsmanlike conduct, particularly concerning actions that might resemble punching.

• Gilbert McGregor, reporting on the incident, highlighted the significance of the altercation and its potential repercussions for Mathurin and the Pacers moving forward in the playoffs.