Cavaliers HC blames referees for his team’s injury issues

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.”