Context:

Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter and Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin were involved in an altercation during Game 4 of their playoff matchup, with Hunter shoving Mathurin to the ground in the first quarter. This incident occurred after Mathurin allegedly struck Hunter in the midsection prior to the Pacers' inbound play. As a result, officials assessed a Flagrant II foul to Mathurin, while Hunter and Pacers star Myles Turner, who intervened, received technical fouls. The altercation is part of a series-long rivalry between Hunter and Mathurin, marked by previous confrontations in earlier games. The Pacers held a strong lead at the end of the first quarter, shooting impressively from the field, while the Cavaliers struggled with their shooting percentages.

Dive Deeper:

• During Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, an altercation broke out between De'Andre Hunter of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers. The incident took place with 4:32 left in the first quarter when Hunter was seen shoving Mathurin to the ground.

• Replays showed that Mathurin had struck Hunter in the midsection as the Pacers were preparing to inbound the ball, prompting Hunter's reaction. Myles Turner of the Pacers intervened in defense of Mathurin, escalating the situation.

• Officials reviewed the altercation, deciding on a Flagrant II foul for Mathurin due to his initial contact. Technical fouls were handed out to both Hunter and Turner for their roles in the confrontation.

• This confrontation was not an isolated incident, as Hunter and Mathurin have had a contentious relationship throughout the series. In Game 1, Mathurin challenged Hunter at the rim, and both players received double technical fouls in Game 3 for their aggressive play.

• The Pacers, leading the series 2-1 before Game 4, displayed a strong performance in the first quarter, ending with a 38-23 lead. They shot 53.8% from the field and 60% from 3-point range, while the Cavaliers struggled, shooting only 26.7% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range.