Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin Controversial Ejection Explained

It was a controversial call to eject Mathurin, but the Pacers didn't seem to need him to win the game. But after Game 4, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star spoke with Crew Chief John Goble to get some answers.

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Goble was asked why Mathurin was given a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2, instead of a Flagrant 1 or technical. Here is his response:

"Mathurin extended with a closed fist into Hunter’s sternum.  That contact was deemed to be unnecessary and excessive contact."

During the incident, Pacers center Myles Turner came to the defense of his teammate. Turner and Hunter were given technical fouls for the situation.

Goble was also asked about this call from the referee crew.

"During review it was observed that Hunter pushed Mathurin with two hands, that dead ball act was deemed to be unsportsmanlike act and technical foul was assessed for that action.  Turner was then observed bumping Hunter, and that dead ball act was also deemed to be unsportsmanlike act and a technical foul was assessed."

While the Pacers didn't need Mathurin to win the game, the ejection likely shouldn't have happened. Or at the very least, Hunter should have been ejected as well.

But the Pacers will have a chance to end this series with the Cavaliers in Game 5 on Tuesday night. Cleveland will likely come out with a sense of desperation, so the Pacers will need to stay focused if they want to advance.

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For more news and notes on the Indiana Pacers, head on over to Indiana Pacers on SI.