Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin Ejected After Contact With Official in Loss to Cavaliers

The third-year forward faces potential suspension after a heated exchange with referee Natalie Sago during a tightly contested game.

Bennedict Mathurin was ejected late in the fourth quarter after receiving three technical fouls during the Indiana Pacers’ 127-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The incident escalated when Mathurin argued a foul call, clapped at referee Natalie Sago, and made minor physical contact with her, leading to his immediate ejection.
Under NBA rules, intentional contact with an official typically results in a one-game suspension without pay, though no official decision has been announced yet.
Mathurin had been a key contributor for the Pacers, scoring 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 12 points in the fourth quarter before his removal from the game.
The Pacers struggled offensively after Mathurin's ejection, allowing the Cavaliers to extend their lead and secure the win, avenging a previous loss to Indiana.