Cavs' De'Andre Hunter shoves Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin in heated 1st-quarter incident during playoff game

Cleveland Cavaliers guardant De’Andre Hunter and Indiana Pacers defender Bennedict Mathurin were progressive successful an altercation aboriginal successful their Game 4 playoff matchup connected Sunday night.

The incidental took spot with 4:32 near successful the archetypal 4th arsenic the Pacers broke retired to a 12-point lead. The broadcast showed Indiana astir to propulsion the shot successful erstwhile Hunter was seen shoving Mathurin to the ground. Pacers prima Myles Turner got progressive to support Mathurin.

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Indiana Pacers defender Bennedict Mathurin falls to the level arsenic halfway Myles Turner pushes Cleveland Cavaliers guardant De'Andre Hunter successful the archetypal fractional of Game 4 successful the Eastern Conference semifinals successful Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

While it seemed Hunter started the incident, replays showed that Mathurin struck Hunter successful the midsection arsenic Indiana was acceptable to propulsion the shot in. Hunter walks up to Mathurin, points astatine him and pushes him to the floor.

Officials assessed a Flagrant II foul to Mathurin aft a review. They doled retired method fouls to Hunter and Turner.

STELLAR DEFENSIVE EFFORT FROM THUNDER LIFTS THEM OVER NUGGETS TO TIE SERIES 2-2

Cleveland Cavaliers defender Donovan Mitchell moves the shot against Indiana Pacers defender Andrew Nembhard successful the archetypal fractional of Game 4. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Hunter and Mathurin had immoderate beef already during the series. Mathurin challenged Hunter astatine the rim during a dunk successful Game 1. The 2 received treble method fouls arsenic their competitory styles crossed the enactment of the referees’ liking successful Game 3.

Indiana led the bid 2-1 coming into Game 4.

The Pacers started disconnected blistery connected Sunday night, ending the archetypal 4th up 38-23. Indiana came retired of the crippled shooting 53.8% from the tract and 60% from 3-point range.

Indiana Pacers guardant Aaron Nesmith reacts aft a 3-point changeable successful the archetypal fractional of Game 4. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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The Cavaliers lone changeable 26.7% from the tract successful the archetypal 4th and 37.5% from 3-point range.

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