Bennedict Mathurin was ejected from the Indiana Pacers’ 129-109 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 after hitting De’Andre Hunter with a closed fist.
Mathurin, who had played one minute in the game, was called for a flagrant foul 2.
Hunter and Myles Turner were given a technical foul for a skirmish following the strike.
“Whatever happened, happened. He will accept the ejection [and] whatever else happens from it,” said Rick Carlisle after the game. “We just got to move forward. It is a learning experience for him. Playoff series are physical. They’re chippy.”
The Pacers are up 3-1 in the series, with Game 5 taking place on Tuesday.