The Indiana Pacers faced a tough 117-127 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game ended on a sour note for the Pacers, as Ben Mathurin was ejected in the fourth quarter following a controversial foul and a subsequent technical foul.
The turning point occurred with 3:58 left in the game, as the Pacers trailed 120-111. Mathurin fouled Cleveland’s Evan Mobley while attempting to prevent a basket. The referees deemed the contact on Mobley’s hand a clear foul, prompting a whistle.
The Pacers wing was visibly frustrated with the call and clapped sarcastically at the referee while voicing his displeasure. His actions resulted in a technical foul, and after further protests, he was ejected from the game.
Ben Mathurin after a CLEAR foul:
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) January 15, 2025
🧱 bumps the ref
🧱 calls her a b*tch
😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/RWSkUIEPDq
Before his premature exit, Mathurin was delivering a strong performance. He finished the night with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also contributed four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
Cavaliers Capitalize On Ben Mathurin’s Ejection To Seal Revenge Win
The ejection of Bennedict Mathurin left the Pacers shorthanded during the crucial closing minutes. Mobley earned two free throws for the initial foul, and the Cavaliers were awarded two additional free throws due to the technical foul. Mobley comfortably sank his pair against the Pacers. Then Donovan Mitchell made both technical shots and extended the Cavs’ lead and effectively sealed the game.
This game marked a revenge game for the Cavaliers, who had lost to the Pacers just one day earlier in a 108-93 defeat. In that game, Mathurin contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists. The latest loss left the Pacers with a 22-19 record.
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