Cavs Coach Kenny Atkinson Slams Pacers for Crossing Physicality Line in Playoff Clash

The Cleveland Cavaliers, fresh off a dominant sweep of the Miami Heat, hit a rough patch in their playoff journey as the Indiana Pacers stole Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. But the real drama unfolded off the court when Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson called out the Pacers for what he deemed excessive physicality. With Evan Mobley nursing an aggravated ankle and DeAndre Hunter sidelined by a dislocated thumb, Atkinson didn’t mince words: "I don’t think they were dirty plays, but it passed a line of physicality." He pointed to non-calls—like one on Hunter’s layup—that left his players battered and questionable for future games.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle shrugged off the accusations, saying Atkinson was just protecting his team, a classic coaching move. Carlisle, no stranger to playoff controversies, was fined $35,000 last year for criticizing refs during a Knicks series. He admitted one play involving Jarrett Allen was a missed call but downplayed the tension, noting the league reviews such incidents.

By Game 2, the Cavs were in a bind—Mobley, Hunter, and Darius Garland were all ruled out due to injuries. Still, Cleveland led 81-67 in the third quarter, showing resilience despite the setbacks. The series is heating up, and the whistle-blowing—on and off the court—is far from over.