Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson is pointing the finger at officiating after two of his players got hurt in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.
Atkinson revealed Monday that forwards De’Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley will both be questionable for Game 2 with injuries they suffered during the series opener. Hunter dislocated his thumb on a blocked layup, while Mobley hurt his ankle when he landed awkwardly on the foot of Pacers center Myles Turner.
Neither play was called as a foul, and Atkinson was still fuming over it a day later.
“I don’t think they were dirty plays, but I think it passed the line of physicality, that line we’ve kind of been talking about where it became excessive,” Atkinson said. “The non-call on De’Andre’s layup — everyone in the world just look at that play. They reviewed it, and I’m in shock. I guess I’ve got to know the rules better. Maybe I don’t know the rules. I felt he got absolutely obliterated, and dislocated his thumb.”
Atkinson also felt that Turner did not give Mobley space to land after shooting, which resulted in Mobley’s ankle injury.
“I don’t think this is on Indiana. I have so much respect for how they play. They’re hard-playing dudes. … But the fact of the matter is, I think that’s on the referees.”
Here’s what Kenny Atkinson had to say about the two plays that resulted in Evan Mobley suffering a left ankle injury and De’Andre Hunter suffering a dislocated right thumb #Cavs #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/4uOZdTQGCr
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) May 5, 2025
As Atkinson alluded to, he challenged the play Hunter got hurt on, but no foul was given on review. No call was made when Mobley landed on Turner’s foot, either.
Kenny Atkinson on the injuries to De'Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley:
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) May 5, 2025
"I don't think they were dirty plays, but I think it passed a line of physicality. That line we've kind of been talking about where it became excessive. So number one was the non-call on De’Andre's layup, which… pic.twitter.com/q2ylUYMRh1
This may be Atkinson’s way of working the referees ahead of Game 2. Notably, he got ejected at the end of the regular season after voicing similar frustrations during a game against the same team, so his efforts have not exactly paid off yet.
The Cavaliers sound like they will be shorthanded for a very important Game 2 after the Pacers stole Game 1 on the road. One can understand why Atkinson would be frustrated with that when, in his mind, the injuries could have been prevented by stricter officiating.
