In a heated moment during Game 4 of the playoffs on Sunday night, tensions flared between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers, particularly involving DeAndre Hunter and Pacers guard Benedict Maturin.
This altercation unfolded with 4:32 remaining in the first quarter as the Pacers surged ahead with a 12-point lead. The broadcast captured Indiana attempting to inbound the ball when Hunter was seen shoving Maturin to the ground, prompting Pacers star Miles Turner to step in to protect his teammate.
Initially, it seemed that Hunter instigated the conflict, but replays indicated that Maturin had actually hit Hunter as Indiana tried to make a play. Following the encounter, Hunter approached Maturin, gesturing and pushing him down.
After reviewing the incident, officials assessed a Flagrant II foul on Maturin and issued technical fouls to both Hunter and Turner.
It’s worth noting that tensions between Hunter and Maturin weren’t new; their rivalry had previously flared up when Maturin challenged Hunter’s defense during a dunk in Game 1, leading to a double technical foul in Game 3.
Entering Game 4, the Pacers led the series 2-1. They started strong that night, finishing the first quarter with a score of 38-23, having shot 53.8% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc.
In contrast, the Cavs struggled, recording just 26.7% in field-goal shooting during the first quarter and hitting 37.5% from three-point range.
