The Cavaliers were demolished in Game 4, falling 129-109 to the Pacers in a performance that left fans and players equally stunned. But after Bennedict Mathurin’s early ejection for punching De’Andre Hunter, the Cavs couldn’t capitalize—in fact, they fell apart completely.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson tried to keep his squad grounded heading into halftime, despite trailing by 41 points. “Pride, compete, composure,” he said postgame. “I didn’t want it to be about the referees… compete with class, stay together.” But those words were drowned out by Indiana’s relentless pace and precision.
When asked about Mathurin’s ejection, Atkinson didn’t mince words. “I’m not in this league for the fights and the pushing and the punches,” he said, emphasizing composure. “You get punched, you’ve got to be above.”
Even with Donovan Mitchell sidelined by a left ankle injury, Darius Garland insisted on playing the second half to find his rhythm—he finished with 21 points. Still, it was clear Cleveland had no answers on either end.
With Game 5 looming and Mitchell’s status uncertain, the Cavs must now pull off the impossible: beat Indiana three straight times, starting Tuesday in Cleveland. Otherwise, their season ends right here.
(This is a building story…)
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