Indiana Pacers swingman Bennedict Mathurin was ejected from Sunday’s postseason contest after striking Cleveland Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter.
The Cavaliers were called for an off-ball foul at the 4:33 mark of the first quarter in Game 4 of their second-round series against the Pacers. Hunter and Pacers swingman Bennedict Mathurin were seen jawing at each other during the dead ball.
Mathurin raised his hands to his sides like Maximus from the 2000 film “Gladiator,” playing to the home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. Hunter did not appreciate the gesture. He raised his finger at Mathurin’s face and shoved the Pacers wing to the ground.
De’Andre Hunter shoves Bennedict Mathurin. 👀🍿
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 12, 2025
pic.twitter.com/WHmOZpmO5y
The broadcast and most fans were initially unable to catch what got Hunter so heated.
The referees reviewed the play and determined that Mathurin had hit Hunter with a closed fist prior to Hunter’s shove. You can see Mathurin delivering the blow below.
#Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin just got ejected for hitting De’Andre Hunter with “a closed fist” to his mid-section, according to the officials. Hunter and Myles Turner were given technicals.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 12, 2025
4:32 left in the 1Q. pic.twitter.com/ODVxmdon2H
Mathurin was assessed a flagrant penalty two foul resulting in an automatic ejection from the contest. Hunter and Pacers center Myles Turner were also hit with technical fouls.
The Cavaliers were awarded two free throws and possession following the incident. Hunter split the pair of foul shots to cut the deficit to 22-11.
Hunter and Mathurin have had a few heated moments throughout the series. With the stakes elevated in Game 4, both players were unable to keep their cool.
