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Cavs Coach Defends Rest After $100,000 NBA Fine for Sitting Mitchell, Mobley

Atkinson says the rest decision reflected a compressed early schedule, with player health his priority.

Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs are heavy home favorites vs. the Knicks in Tuesday's Eastern Conference showdown.
Image
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) drives to the basket beside Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The NBA announced a $100,000 fine on Nov. 18 for Cleveland’s Nov. 12 game in Miami, where Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley were held out for rest.
  • Under the Player Participation Policy, teams cannot sit more than one healthy star in the same game and an automatic review is triggered; neither player was listed on the injury report.
  • The policy defines a star as an All-Star or All-NBA selection in the prior three seasons and includes escalating penalties of $100,000 for a first violation and $250,000 for a second, with larger fines thereafter.
  • Head coach Kenny Atkinson said he disagrees with the ruling and will continue prioritizing player health, noting the Cavs played 15 games in 27 nights with multiple back-to-backs.
  • Cleveland won in Miami despite resting the pair, then played them the next night against Toronto, as critics argue the rule may incentivize teams to label minor ailments instead of listing rest.