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Kenny Atkinson upset with no-calls; De'Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley questionable for Game 2
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- Kenny Atkinson upset with no-calls; De'Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley questionable for Game 2
INDEPENDENCE — The Cavaliers are not only down 1-0 in a second-round playoff series with the Indiana Pacers after a Game 1 loss , they're also now banged up heading into Game 2 . And coach Kenny Atkinson isn't happy about it.
Speaking Monday, May 5, at the team's practice facility, Atkinson relayed some frustration with a few non-calls during the fourth quarter of Game 1, which the Cavs lost 121-112.
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Due to these plays, forwards De'Andre Hunter (dislocated thumb) and Evan Mobley (left ankle sprain) are both questionable for Game 2. Guard Darius Garland also remains questionable with a big toe sprain that has kept him out of Cleveland 's last three playoff games.
All of a sudden, the Cavs have some serious health-related questions in a series that will demand a comeback .
The two plays occurred on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter. Atkinson noted he didn't view the plays as dirty, and he respects Indiana and coach Rick Carlisle, but he felt the Pacers crossed a line of physicality, even for the playoffs, in terms of what should have been called a foul. He also was sure to note he views the refs in the NBA as "phenomenal," but he was confused because of the two non-calls.
"I don't think they were dirty plays, but I think it passed a line of physicality," Atkinson said. "That line we've kind of been talking about where it became excessive."
May 4, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) during the second half in game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cavs forward Evan Mobley sprains ankle vs Pacers in Game 1
First, Evan Mobley received a pass in the paint and attempted a hook shot over Myles Turner of the Pacers. Mobley didn't have any room to land, and he instead came down on Turner's foot, rolling his ankle a bit.
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"[Myles] Turner contests his two-point shot, clearly comes under him, and shooters need space to land, and [Mobley] is pushed off balance kind of in our opinion and tweaks his ankle pretty bad," Atkinson said. "I think you guys saw him limping the rest of the game. There was a big push to get him out. He wanted to stay in. He'll be questionable."
Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) reacts after being knocked down against the Indiana Pacers during Game 1 of a second-round NBA playoff series May 4, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
NBA playoffs: De'Andre Hunter dislocates thumb on shooting hand against Pacers
The next time down the floor, Hunter was hit hard while driving to the basket, enough that he dislocated his thumb.
"Everyone in the world, just look at that play, and they reviewed it, and I'm just in shock," Atkinson said. "I don't know, I guess I gotta know the rules better. Maybe I don't know the rules. I felt he got absolutely obliterated and dislocated his thumb, so he'll be questionable."
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Atkinson later used the term "doubtful" to describe both Mobley and Hunter, but then acknowledged he views the terms as similar, and that they're officially questionable.
"I don't think this is on Indiana. I have so much respect for how they play," Atkinson said. "The fact of the matter, I think that's on the referees. Maybe there were missed calls or maybe I'm misinterpreting the rules. But I have a problem when we got two of our best players doubtful for tomorrow's game. It's hard for me to get my head around that.
"Haven't talked about the referees all year. I think the referees in this league are phenomenal and they do a great job, and that was a darn good crew that did last night. Ton of respect for those guys. But for some reason, it bothers me that we're dealing with this. And there should be some repercussions in terms of making the call."
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Evan Mobley, De'Andre Hunter injury updates for Game 2 vs Pacers
